**IT WAS A YEAR AGO**

PART 14

Downstairs, Buffy explained very fast to Faith what the old lady told her that night. She also told Faith about Angel and the necklace.

“Faith, about Angel and tonight.”

“Yes, B.”

“I don’t want anyone else to know, about the necklace I mean.”

“Ok.”

After a short while Buffy finally asked, “How is she?”

Faith frowned before understanding,

“She’s, not very well but she’ll be ok, physically I mean.”

“Did you too talk or-I mean-” Buffy blushed unwillingly and avoided Faith’s gaze which made Faith smile a little.

“We talked. She’s really not in a good position right now, and I can tell you it’s really hard for her.”

“What can we do?”

“Right now, not much, stay on guard, and keep her under our eyes 24/7.”

“Do you really think she's in danger?“

“Well, I think you've all underestimated Willow's attachment to her, and so has The First.“

“We don't even know if it's... Alright, we'll see, let's just keep an eye on her.“

Buffy raised her brows looking at the couch, “Well, zero for us on that last part.”

Faith turned around and noticed too that the couch was empty.

As they were talking together, the slayers hadn’t noticed Kennedy’s departure. Faith got up and headed to the living room just when Kennedy was coming back downstairs, slowly, her face still pallid.

Buffy frowned. Faith moved closer, not knowing what happened. She just put her hands on Kennedy’s shoulder and waist, not sure if she was going to faint so much she looked pale. She led her to the couch.

“Kennedy, what happened?”

Buffy sat beside Kennedy on the other side,

“What’s wrong, please tell us?”

“Can’t she just kill me?” The young brunette just said in a very low voice.

“Don’t say that Kennedy, it's jus-“ Buffy stopped and both her and Faith looked at each other as their slayer hearing allowed them to hear the moans of Willow, louder now. Buffy put her hand on her mouth, very upset and unable to find out what to say while Faith took Kennedy in her arms, and the potential broke down crying.

Buffy got up. Faith looked at her, she didn't want her to go but couldn't really move. Buffy put her hand on Faith’s and smiled as she whispered,

“I understand.”

She added in a low voice, “She needs you right now.”

Faith nodded and Buffy left. Kennedy cried for several minutes but then stopped and stayed silent, still squeezed in Faith’s arms. After about half an hour Kennedy, to Faith’s surprise, pulled away all of a sudden and looked determined.

“I’m done crying.”

Faith was surprised but a smile spread across her face.

“I swear this is not it. I didn’t say my last word yet.”

Faith smiled and looked intensely at Kennedy,

“I was wrong, I could like you that way.” She said very low.

Kennedy frowned, she was too focused on her new resolution to understand.

Faith slightly shook her head,

“Hum, nothing, just rambling to myself.”

She cleared her throat and went on,

“That’s the Kennedy I wanna see. Not over till it’s over remember?”

“Damn right! That girl up there, definitely not the girl everyone’s been praising about. She did it on purpose and believe me, payback’s a bitch. If she wants to compete with me, I’ll show her who can make Willow scream the loudest.”

Faith looked at her with an almost-shocked-face.

Kennedy cleared her throat,

“Just meant, if she wants a fight I’ll give her one. I’m nowhere close to give up on Willow and I’ll show her this girl is fake.”

Faith smiled hugely, with a bit of pride. Kennedy looked very determined.

“That sounds like a good plan. So now Buffy’s back, bitchy you’s back too, so how about we get some real sleep now?”

Kennedy smiled,

“You bet I’m back. Hum, I mean, yes, you’re right. Gonna need some strength cause there’s gonna be some blood letting soon.”

On this, the young brunette lied on her side on the couch, dragging Faith with her as she was holding her arm and she put it around her waist. Faith didn’t remove it and just squeezed her tighter; she looked upon her as Kennedy’s eyes were closed. Faith moved her head closer with a smile and placed a soft kiss on the brunette’s temple. Kennedy smiled, eyes still closed and Faith laid back to close her eyes too. They finally fell asleep.

~~~

Willow woke up early in the morning; sun was barely showing its first rays. It was still pretty dark in the room. She looked at Tara who was sleeping beside her and felt her chest rose just like every time it hit her that her lover was here.

Willow still had a hard time believing it, it was so wonderful to have her here but at the same time it filled Willow’s head with so much confusion. So much had happened and Willow wasn’t the same person anymore. She had wanted to be, she had wished to, so much, but even with Tara back she could never feel the same again, not after the things she’d done, and what she’d lost in the process. Even if Tara was here now... It was not the same.

And there was Kennedy. The young brunette had been the only source of shelter for Willow since Tara’s death. She’d felt more comfortable again with herself and her magic thanks to the potential’s trust and motivation.

Tara was back, Tara was all Willow had ever wanted, she was everything but still Willow couldn’t help feeling bad, she couldn’t help thinking that, for example, she should’ve been beside Kennedy after she got hurt last night.

Willow had completely forgotten the world under Tara’s touch on her that night but it hadn't last. That feeling of being misplaced was back, and right now Willow was dying to go check on Kennedy.... Just check if she was ok....

The redhead slowly walked downstairs as everyone was still asleep. She stopped abruptly at the sight in front of her. Lots of questions and various feelings went through her mind as she stared at Faith and Kennedy lying on the couch, curves matching. Kennedy was cuddled into Faith’s arms like Willow used to cuddle into Kennedy’s arms every night after they first kissed.

Willow shivered at the memory then she frowned a bit with jealousy, mostly in a protective way regarding Faith’s intention towards the potential. Willow shook these thoughts out of her mind, and her eyes fell back on Kennedy. She slowly walked closer; she saw the huge wound on Kennedy’s forehead and her heart squeezed a little. She squat in front of the couch, at the level of Kennedy’s face and slowly raised her hand to her face to brush a lock away from it. She then caressed her cheek, dwelling around a small wound there before slightly brushing on her neck and... Kennedy opened her eyes.

Willow’s breath stopped for a minute,

“I-I-I was checking, I-I-” she stammered.

Kennedy kept staring silently at her.

Willow couldn’t handle the brunette's gaze and had to look aside, “I-I gotta go.”

Willow got up but as she meant to turn around, Kennedy grabbed her arm and pulled on it, forcing the red head to bend on her knees, and she kissed her. Willow tried to stop her at first but then responded to the kiss as she put her hand on the potential's waist.

Faith couldn’t resist and opened an eye very fast before closing it as she kept on pretending she was asleep.

Willow then pushed Kennedy backwards and got up,

“No, don’t, don’t do that I-I-”

The witch stopped and walked back upstairs in a rush without more words. Kennedy smiled while taking her breath back. She was propped on her elbow. Faith propped herself on her elbow too,

“Now THAT was a nice move, K.”

They looked at each other and laughed slightly.

~~~

Willow walked into her room again but Tara wasn’t in bed anymore. Willow checked but she wasn’t in the room at all. She got out to search for her and met Buffy in the corridor.

“Hey Willow, already up?”

“Err, yes.”

“Are you ok, Will? You seem-“

“I’m fine. So what are you doing too up at that hour?”

“I was in the garden with Spike, we were talking and I fell asleep on the swing seat with him. He was there cause the girls are almost all in the basement. But sun’s coming so eventually we had to go back inside the house.”

Both girls headed to Buffy’s room. The slayer opened the door and they found Tara in it, very close to the scythe. Buffy became immediately nervous,

“What are you doing here??”

Willow was surprised to find Tara here, but even more surprised by Buffy’s mistrustful tone.

“Hey it’s ok, she can be here.”

Buffy tried to relax, “Yes I know, I’m sorry. But... I’m a little nervous lately.”

Tara gave them a hangdog look,

“It’s ok I understand. Willow wasn’t in bed when I woke up. I was just looking for her. I’m sorry.”

Tara left the room and Willow looked at Buffy angrily,

“Why did you do that?!”

“What? It was nothing.”

“You spoke to her like she was a stranger, or worse, some kind of threat.”

“No I didn’t I-. Look Willow I’m exhausted. I had a fight and right now this scythe is all we have against The First. I just don’t want anyone too close to it.”

Willow looked very upset,

“But this is Tara, this is not ANYONE. How is she supposed to feel good and adjust if you keep acting like Faith? Tara is part of the gang, more than Faith will ever be.”

Willow meant to leave but Buffy held her back,

“No, Willow don’t go. Look I’m really sorry if my reaction put Tara ill at ease. Tell her I didn’t mean too. I’m just a little edgy. I-. Don’t you think too many things are happening, Willow? At the same time I mean. I don’t want you to get hurt, I just... Please Will, just try to think of everything rationally.”

“I do, everything is the way it should always have stayed, and you’re all just splitting hairs instead of leaving us be happy. Tara is back, she is with me and I defy anyone to try and change that.”

Willow’s tone was determined but her gaze betrayed her confusion. Willow slammed the door on her way out.

PART 15

Willow walked into her bedroom. Tara wasn't facing her as she was looking by the window. Willow came closer and put her arms around her dark-blonde lover. She put her head on Tara's shoulders.

“I love you.” Willow whispered.

Tara smiled, joining Willow’s hands on her stomach.

“Buffy didn’t mean to be harsh; I think she’s just very tired.”

“I know, it’s ok. I understand, everyone’s exhausted and should be, with what you’ve all been going through.”

Tara slowly moved away towards the bed and added naturally, “But still, she shouldn’t be hiding things from you.”

Willow frowned, “What are you talking about? She’s not hiding anything.”

Tara sat on the bed,

“She seemed pretty worn out to me, not just tired. What was she doing all dressed up in the corridor at that hour, her bed wasn’t even unmade.”

“She was just coming back from the garden. She was with Spike but the sun slowly rose. She wasn’t hiding any- wait, in the room she told me she’d been in a fight.”

“What fight? Wasn’t she with Spike?” Tara asked still naturally.

Willow looked a bit confused, “Yes, I suppose it was before.”

Willow looked deep in thoughts.

“She didn’t talk about any patrolling during last evening’s speech but anyway, no big deal, you know Buffy, she’s always hiding little stuff.” Tara ended, still in a casual tone.

The older witch then looked at Willow as the redhead’s mind started remembering every little stuff Buffy hadkept to herself in the past, like Angel coming back from Hell, or more recently; her and Spike's relationship.

Tara looked aside as Willow shook these thoughtsout of her head .

Tara took her hand, “Anyway, come here my love.”

She pulled on Willow’s hand and got her to kneel on the bed. Tara started lifting Willow’s night shirt and kissing her belly. Willow closed her eyes. Tara lied her down on her back and slowly roamed her hand up and down her body while still kissing her.

Tara pulled away and they stared at each other for a long time. Willow kept on caressing her lover’s face, admiring her sparkling eyes. Again, she wanted the time to stop now, she wanted to get lost in those eyes and stay lost in them. Tara’s hand reached Willow’s crotch, this time she slid it under the fabric of her night short instead of moving it up again. Willow gasped at the feel of Tara’s finger softly creeping its way between her curls. She entered just the tip of it in her hot center before moving her finger to Willow’s clit again and circling it in slow motion, already getting moans out of Willow.

~~~

It was about ten in the morning. Willow was propped on her elbow and staring at the sleeping witch beside her while stroking the blonde girl’s hair absent-mindedly. She could hear the potentials already at work with Faith in the garden. Tara slowly began to move, and then she opened her eyes and smiled at Willow,

“Morning beautiful.”

Willow caressed her face with the same smile, “Morning my love.”

She lowered her head and they kissed softly then Willow pulled away. Despite her will she couldn’t hide her worried mind.

Tara gently caressed her cheek,

“What’s wrong baby?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

“You know you can tell me everything. I know something’s worrying you.”

“It’s nothing, I just- it’s just about the spell I did... to bring you back.”

Tara looked very attentive, “Yes baby?”

Willow looked hesitant,

“It’s just, it’s like I don’t really know... everything that I did. I mean, it’s like I haven’t been there . I mean I was but- it’s hard to explain. I don’t know how I got to it.”

“What do you mean? You found the book.”

“Actually I didn’t.”

Willow waited for Tara’s reaction but the blonde girl didn't seem to understand.

“Do you- you don’t remember anything, do you?”

“Something I should remember?”

“You were coming to me... while I was dreaming... or not, it’s-. The first time I thought it was The First but then... And you helped me found everything and pull everything together. I just wished I knew what- or that you would remember.”

Tara caressed her cheek,

“It wasn’t me, baby. I mean, I believe, no I KNOW what it was; it was the Powers That Be. It’s the only way. And it makes sense then that The First tried to get to you via this Cassie girl like you told me. It couldn’t use my reflection or whatever it was because I guess it was already held by the Powers That Be. Don’t you think it makes more sense that way?”

Willow’s face slightly lit up,

“Of course, yes of course it was that. How come I didn’t think of that?”

Tara kissed her,

“Because you’re just very tired my love. Now you know I’m here and everything’s gonna be alright. Just rely on. I never lied to you Willow, NEVER. Just trust me.”

“I do baby. More than anything.”

Willow held her tight and Tara held her back smiling triumphantly.

~~~

Buffy was in her room, resting a little when Xander, accompanied by Faith and Giles knocked at her door.

“Yes.”

They walked in the room.

“Sorry to disturb your well-earned rest. About that, congrats on Caleb, wish I’d been there to see you slice him open like that. Faith told us.”

The brunette slayer winked at her and Buffy smiled then looked at her friends,

“That was something, indeed. Anyway I was gonna come downstairs in a few minutes but, is something wrong?”

Their faces showed worries. Faith slumped nonchalantly on the bed very close to Buffy who felt a bit nervous before pulling herself together.

“What’s the what?”

Xander moved a little closer,

“I checked on the poles, got them removed thanks to one of the wrecking crane I took on our last unfinished building site. And the thing is; them falling down on us, nothing to do with thunder. They’ve been pushed out from the ground and into the garden.”

Buffy sat up straight, “What do we say? Caleb?”

Giles nodded, “Don’t see who else would be strong enough to do that.”

Buffy thought for a while then shrugged,

“Anyway, Caleb’s out of the picture now so it’s ok.”

The boys nodded more or less but Faith gazed at Buffy, “It’s not the who did it that got me worried.”

Buffy looked at her gesturing her to explain and Faith went on,

“Well, now we know for sure it was done on purpose so my question is; The First wants all the potentials dead, plus the both of us, right? So last night we had thirty some of them all gathered in the same limited area and only two of us in a corner. So my wonder; why didn’t he throw the poles on the girls... He’ll sure have at least 5 or 6 dead or badly injured at least. But no, he chose me and Kennedy. Strange, don’t you think?”

Buffy shook her head,

“I know where you’re heading with that but-“

“No but Buffy. I’m pretty sure Ken and I, well mostly Kennedy, is kinda spoiling The First’s new plan.”

Xander looked at the brunette slayer,

“That is to you, Tara right? Look Faith, these poles, definitely thrown on purpose, but I know Tara and I know Willow too, and I think you’re losing time and ideas on them. We should focus on the scythe now. Tara’s not evil, she’s not The First, she’s human so what wrong could she possibly do? You haven’t seen her and Willow together. If we have to beat this thing, we’ll need them both ok?”

Faith was about to say something but Buffy was faster,

“This ends the discussion I guess.”

Giles and Xander left the room. Faith crossed her arms on her chest.

“You plan on squatting in my bed?” Buffy asked in a light tone.

“Wouldn’t it please you?” Faith replied teasingly.

Buffy looked aside slightly and Faith shook her head to focus on why she was pissed off in the first place,

“Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Shutting me out.”

“I don’t need the gang to be all suspicious and... I don’t have to justify myself to you.”

“Yes you do.” Faith replied with pride.

Buffy frowned and Faith raised her eyebrows, “Did they put you back in charge officially?”

Buffy gave her a sceptic gaze and Faith admitted,

“Ok, ok, I guess the tunnel debacle kinda did it but still... not a reason to shut me out like this.”

Faith crossed her arms on her chest again and Buffy couldn’t help but smile.

“So cute when you’re pouting.”

Both girls looked surprised, Faith in a I’m-not-CUTE-!-me-sexy-type-not-cute-type and Buffy looked surprised in a I-just-said-that-out-loud-didn’t-I-?.
Then Buffy cleared her throat and looked more serious,

“I’m not shutting you out Faith, not because I’m in charge nor for any other reasons, I’m not, I’m never shutting you out or I wouldn’t be sitting beside you. I get your doubts and I... But I can’t let that overcome us completely, besides there’s not much I can do right now without unleashing Willow’s rage against us and believe me... you don’t want to see that.”

Faith smiled,

“But do you believe in what I’m saying? That Tara is not... Tara.”

Buffy slightly looked aside, the thought itself was hurting her.

Faith took Buffy’s hand but then let it back on the bed as both girls felt awkward at the gesture, and then she stared at Buffy,

“Look, I understand you have to keep the ship afloat. I get your position so I won’t ask you to do much about it right now but... I just need to know that... you believe in me, I mean, you believe in what I’ve told you.”

Buffy stared at her intensely, “I do.”

Faith inhaled deeply then jumped out of the bed with a smile.

“Thanks.” she just said then she left the room and Buffy stayed a while thoughtful in her room before going downstairs.

PART 16

It was now lunch time. Anya sent Kennedy to the kitchen to help Dawn bringing the food into the garden as they were all eating outside. On her way Kennedy came across Tara who was going downstairs. Both girls looked hesitant for a second then Tara shyly smiled at her.

“Hi.”

Kennedy looked at her from top to bottom, “Hey.” She coldly said.

Tara pointed out Kennedy’s injury,

“How are you doing today?”

Kennedy smirked, “Don’t bother, you’re not fooling me, you know.”

Tara frowned, “Excuse me?”

“Like you don’t understand maybe.”

Tara shrugged,

“I don’t. I just wanted to know if you were feeling better that’s all. Trying to be nice, you know. We’re on the same side; I’m not the enemy here.”

“Well, I say you are.” Kennedy replied self assured.

Tara gave a resigned smile, “At least I’d have tried.”

She meant to turn around.

“I’ll get her back.”

Tara slowly turned around to face Kennedy again,

“Sorry honey but... you never had her.” She told her in a very low, sarcastic voice.

Kennedy looked mad, she had it in front of her; the proof, this gaze, this tone, these words but no one would believe her, no one was here. Tara gave her a mischievous smile and Dawn walked in,

“Everything ok here?”

The young Summers was worried, knowing Kennedy’s grievance about Willow and Tara, mostly about Tara. The witch looked at her with her very sweet gaze,

“Yes sweetheart, everything’s fine. I was just checking on Kennedy, asking if she had a restful sleep tonight and was feeling better now.”

On this Tara winked discreetly at Kennedy who understood the double meaning of the sentence. Dawn wasn’t aware that Willow and Tara made love that night and even less that Kennedy heard and saw part of it. Dawn walked back to the kitchen and Tara followed but she could hear Kennedy's low whisper to her.

“This isn't over.”

~~~

It was the late afternoon. Willow had been avoiding Kennedy all afternoon, she was now looking for Tara as her lover had gone back inside the house a while ago while they were all talking outside the house. She found her in their room,

“Hey baby, something’s wrong? Why aren’t you coming back downstairs with us?”

Tara moved closer to Willow and held her tight,

“I was tired... guess it’s the aftermath of the spell probably.”

Willow looked worried and led Tara to the bed,

“Do you want a drink or pills or maybe I can-“

“Ssh it’s ok Willow, I’m fine. I just wanted a little time apart... I mean apart from them. Just stay with me and I’ll be fine.”

Willow took Tara’s head in her hands,

“I’m here; I’ll always stay with you. Did- did somebody tell you something cause I swear I’ll make them stop and-“

Tara put her finger on Willow’s lips,

“Told you, it’s ok. They didn’t say anything, it’s just the gazes you know, but it’s ok. I understand, they have to be careful.”

“Not that way, not with you.”

Tara pulled Willow into a kiss then pulled away,

“Anyway, let’s not talk about that. I’m glad you came up here. So what did you guys talk about while I was gone?”

“Same thing that when you left; ideas, the scythe and stuff like that.”

Tara slowly roamed her hand along Willow’s arm, up and down while asking casually,

“So, did Buffy talk to you about what she did last night?”

“Not really, she just told me how she killed Caleb, sounded fun.”

Tara raised her brows slightly,

“Yeah, one lucky move-I mean- I guess I-I suppose, one wonderful lucky move. She always managed one of those. She's Buffy.”

Willow slightly frowned but didn’t pay more attention to Tara’s rambling, she lied herself down allowing the good feeling of Tara’s caresses to overcome her whole mind and body.

“She didn’t say more? Like, did she find something else? Did the old lady she talked to give her anything specific?”

“Nope. At least she didn’t say.” Willow replied nonchalantly, still lying down, eyes still closed, then she asked in a more focused voice but keeping her eyes shut,

“Why you wanna know? Are you thinking of something?”

Tara bent closer to Willow, “No, nothing specific love.”

Tara kissed Willow’s neck while roaming her hand on her stomach, Willow moaned and Tara kissed her deeply before moving half on top of her...

~~~

An hour later while they were resting still naked in the bed Faith knocked loudly at their door before opening it without any more warning,

“B wants to talk to us, NOW.”

Tara and Willow were still trying to put the sheets to cover themselves as Faith closed the door as noisily as she’d opened it. Willow threw the sheets away with a sigh.

“Bitch.”

Her tone was not mean, rather exasperated.

Tara rubbed her back while smiling, “You know her; she likes to piss people off as much as she can.”

“Yeah,” Willow nodded then she got up, “And Buffy’s really being influenced with her on that level.”

Willow went to the bathroom and Tara smiled mischievously, glad at the comment her girlfriend just made because it placed her a little more farther from Buffy...

~~~

The witches entered Buffy’s room in which were already gathered Buffy, Giles, Xander, Anya, Dawn, Spike, Faith and... Kennedy to both girls’ surprise. The potential had only been in the main Scooby meeting when she was involved with Willow.
The redhead felt uncomfortable, even more at the potential's intense gaze on her. Tara was made more uncomfortable because of Faith’s gaze on her, but she didn’t let it show though.

“Good you're here. Alright, Caleb out of the picture is a good thing ok, but it’s not leading us any further and we’re running out of ideas, and time is really working in favour of The First so we have to do something now.”

Buffy turned to Willow,

“Willow, I know you’ve been a little reluctant to that and I understand but... we’re gonna need your magic.”

Willow stayed calm; she put her hand on her chin for a little while slightly rubbing it nervously before replying,

“Yes, ok, I mean, I think I should be able to help, after all it worked to bring you back with the portal and to bring- well, it worked so, I should be ok with it.”

Willow was trying hard to be self convincing, Tara moved a little closer,

“Wait, magic ok, but what kind? What do you think she can do?”

“I think she should work on the scythe and-“

“No,” Tara interrupted before going on,

“This is a slayer’s weapon; you and Faith are the only one to feel something about it.”

“I did too.” Kennedy interrupted, they looked at her and she added,

“A little something ok but still.”

Tara nodded as she looked at Buffy,

“That’s what I said, slayer stuff. Willow didn’t get a single vibe from it even when focusing hard. I wasn’t close to it for long but I didn’t feel anything either. Clearly not a thing to work on for us, it’s just a weapon meant for you.”

Faith didn't soften her gaze on the blonde witch, “What do you propose then?”

Tara looked at Willow and as if she understood Willow took over,

“I think Tara’s right. But there’s something we could be working on.”

Faith raised her brows looking at the two of them as they seemed hesitant to talk.

“Come on witches, you’ve been plotting together like forever, clearly you’ve got an idea so spill the beans already... come on share share.” Kennedy said with a provocative wink at Tara before giving Willow a stripping gaze that gave the redhead a shiver despite her will.

So Willow chose to look at Buffy and Xander as she replied,

“The Powers That Be. Tara thinks they’re the ones that could help us.”

Faith raised her brows, “Tara thinks?”

“We think that, and we have good reasons to. We’ve studied what happened, with the spell. The First came to me via Cassie and not Tara; it’s the only reason it happened that way.”

“You sure?” Faith asked inquisitively and Giles moved forward to prevent the talk from slipping,

“Fine but then what do you think you can do with The Powers?”

“Contact them first, and see.” Tara said and Willow added,

“We’ve even thought about another solution; opening a portal.”

Faith slightly laughed and so did Xander,

“And do what? Send the non-corporeal, non-visible-most-of-the-time First in it?”

Willow was a bit piqued,

“Maybe not him but his army of Turok-Han? Did you forget about them? See, not that stupid of an idea cause sorry but; we’re all pretty much dead from the moment they step foot outside of the ground.”

They all looked at the floor for a moment and Faith sighed,

“Nah, I think that Texas chick back in LA really made an impression with you, but she shouldn’t have.”

Kennedy raised her brows and lightly said, “Jee, another one I gotta compete with?”

Faith and her smiled.

“There is NO competition.” Tara stated.

Kennedy got up from her spot on the window's edge, staring straight at Tara who was staring back.

Buffy stepped forward,

“Ok maybe we can try this, I mean The Powers, do you know a spell to contact them?”

Willow held Tara’s hand to get her to relax, “I think we can work on that.”

Tara shook her head and her gentle look came back as she confirmed,

“I know something I believe, just let us gather some stuff and we’ll get this done.”

“Ok then, tell me when you’re ready so that I stay kinda... far; everything going wrong lately seem to backfire on me so if you’re in charge then I wonder how long I’ll last standing.” Kennedy sarcastically said.

“Kennedy.” Willow told her in a scolding tone.

Buffy cut the stares once again, “You and Tara should get going now, I mean, prepare the stuff.”

Willow took Tara’s hand and led her out of the room. Buffy turned around to look at Kennedy,

“Very smart.” she told her in a scolding tone.

Kennedy shrugged with a look aside and Buffy left. The others, except for Faith, followed her out of the room. Dawn gave Kennedy a death stare on her way out.

Faith raised her brows at the brunette potential, “Well, that should be something.”

PART 17

The tension was palpable in the living room as the two witches were preparing stuff on the ground. They had all pushed the furniture aside first. The potentials had been sent in the rooms and the basement. Andrew and Anya were in a corner. Xander and Dawn were helping the two witches while the two slayers plus Kennedy observed carefully from a corner with Giles not far.

“So how is this supposed to work?”
Xander hesitantly asked to Tara while Willow sat in the middle of the room, within a circle she and Tara had drawn on the floor.

“She has to go beyond our world to reach The Powers. It’s not really another dimension as they’re in between all of them but anyway, they can’t be contacted within our world so she’s gonna go beyond it and I’ll be her anchor.”

Xander looked worried.

“Don’t worry, we’ve already done that before, not for the same reason but... she came back easily, don’t worry.”

“It’s just that... things were different before, now if she goes too far I’m afraid...”

Tara put her hand on his shoulder, “Don’t worry, she’ll come back. I’m here to make sure of that.”

She smiled at him,

“Now you should just move backwards with the others and I’m gonna go join her before she takes off without me, because then I wouldn’t be able to bring her back.”

She winked at him and he walked backwards with Dawn, reassuring her. They moved closer to the slayers and observed the witches from there.

Tara sat in front of Willow; they had in between them a magical crystal supposed to allow communication between worlds. They started chanting some Latin words, or otherworldly language as Xander told himself, and after a few minutes a thin magical golden wall encircled both girls while the crystal started glowing. They kept chanting for a while then Tara stopped and Willow started chanting different words.

They were still holding hands and closing their eyes. The wall started to tighten around Willow leaving Tara outside of it. Kennedy and Xander’s first reflex was to move closer to Willow but as if she’d felt them Tara turned her head very fast mouthing the words It’s normal to them and she went back to focus on Willow who’d stopped chanting by now.

“I seek for your wisdom. In the name of life on Earth, in the name of The Living I seek for your help.” Willow spoke out loud.

Willow and Tara’s hands started to shake. Willow squeezed Tara's hands tightly and the blonde witch had to hold Willow's ahnds very tight as both girls seemed pulled apart a little. Willow’s breathing kept increasing, it was very heavy and the crystal became red.

“I-I seek for- for-” she was having trouble to breath, Kennedy slowly moved closer.

Tara opened her eyes, she looked at Willow a bit uncertain. One hand slid away from Tara’s grip and Kennedy went to the crystal as if to break it, Tara put her hand on the potential’s one,

“Don’t!”

They stared at each other.

“She’s losing it, don’t you see?”

“No she’s not, let that here; it’s too dangerous for Willow if you move it now.”

“No, what’s dangerous is letting you play with her mind.”

Tara pushed Kennedy very hard backwards with just one hand, at everyone’s surprise; the blonde witch took Willow’s hand again and closed her eyes,

“We’re calling for you. Answer us!” Tara said in an ordering tone.

Willow started shaking violently and Kennedy moved to her just when a smile spread across Willow’s lips,

“Release.” she said and everyone was pushed backwards very hard; Tara and Kennedy the hardest since they were the closest.

Tara was bleeding as a statue fell on her forehead from the shelf she crashed against. They all looked up at Willow only to notice her hair was as black as darkness and her eyes were a mix of red and yellow, she started laughing,

“What are your mental challenge, children? The Powers That Be? How stupid is that?"

Black witchy Willow looked at Tara,
"Everybody’s gone."

Then back at the others as she went on,

"Not only the inhabitants... Everyone has forgotten and given up on you. There is just me... it.”

Willow looked slightly unsure for a second, they all knew it was The First using her again like the first time she’d tried to locate it before they knew what it was. Only now, it was through dark Willow, not through cute-sweet Willow, not through their friends. Dark Willow was here. The darkness in her was released too through this spell, through The First dark powers.

As Buffy started getting up Willow magically threw her crashing into the kitchen.

“Buffy!” Both Faith and Dawn yelled but while Dawn reached for Buffy, Faith went to Willow as if to stop her. Spike did too and they both were sent to the ceiling then pushed violently to the ground,

“Willow! Willow stop!” Xander yelled from his spot on the ground.

The ex-redhead smiled, “No more stories from kindergarten, Xander. I must say you played it nice for once. I will never get these humans feeling. Bringing her back... I mean, bringing me back with that.”

Willow looked confused again for a while before her deadly self assured look came back again. Anya tried to take a sword in a corner while Andrew was hiding behind the couch. Willow looked at Anya, moving threateningly towards her, squeezing her sword.

“Human now, you shouldn’t be waking up this time, should you?” she told her and Anya's sword was pulled out of her hands.

“Willow, try to remember, this isn’t you?”

Dawn arrived with Buffy,

“Willow, it’s The First, it’s not you, and you don’t want that.”

“But ain’t I more useful that way, Buffy? You’re all gonna die, so killing you now would be a service I’d render you, you know. The First will rise and when I’ll do, I mean when it’ll do so, you’re all gonna be dead.”

Xander managed to sneak closer to the crystal and to take it. With all his strength he sent it crashing against the wall, breaking it in hundreds of pieces. Willow collapsed on the ground.

“Willow?” Tara asked and the younger witch looked up at all of them.
Her eyes were black and hair still dark too. The link with The First was gone but the dark magic remained. They didn’t know how or if she was going to come back from that or if the effect of The First's intrusion would be permanent.

“You stupid bastard!”

They all more or less got up around her.

“Stay away from me!”

She shook her head in confusion. She meant to go to the door but Buffy and Xander moved in front of her.

“Willow, it’s us, we’re your friend. You just need to calm down.”

Xander tried to get closer and Tara got up, “Leave her alone, let her go, it will fade soon.”

Faith shook her head, “No, we’re not letting her go; she’d be a target too easy for The First then.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Faith moved closer to Tara, “No you don’t know what you’re talking about, dolly.”

Faith was inches away from Tara with a threatening gaze.

“I know her.” Tara said firmly.

Faith meant to move closer from her but was thrown away from Tara by Willow who then stared at Tara. Her gaze wasn’t any less hard on her, it seemed to be the opposite. Her gaze on her was full of hatred.

“Let her go, we can’t stop her now.” Tara told the others.

“Screw that,” Kennedy said as she’d been watching the whole thing and before Willow understood it she was punched in the face very hard by Kennedy. Willow fell on her knee, the brunette potential took her wrists,

“Sure we can.”

She pinned her to the ground straddled her,

“Willow! Come on, you’re coming back now!”

The others were surprised the witch hadn’t magically pushed her away yet. She seemed very confused and Kennedy kept shaking her,

“That’s enough now, you stop hiding! Stop hiding behind your fucking magic! It’s over, you come back now!”

“No, no stop! Stop!” Willow kept screaming but wasn’t reacting violently.

“Willow! Willow.” It was Kennedy’s turn to push the blonde witch away very hard while going on. She pulled Willow up onto her ass and held her by the shoulders. She could see Willow's eyes flashing back to their usual color already.

“You come back now! We need you here! It’s just a spell, it’s just a spell, it’s not you!”

Willow was shaking.

“Come back to me NOW!”

Willow dug her nails hard into Kennedy’s shoulders as she squeezed her very tight. Willow's hair slowly turned back to its natural redness. Kennedy held her tight,

“I need you, Willow.” She whispered very low into her ear.

The witch broke down crying, she choked a little, “Don’t... let me slip.”

Kennedy took the redhead’s face in between her hands whispering to her,

“I’ll always bring you back, Willow. Always.”

Willow rested her head on Kennedy’s shoulder and the brunette held her tight.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Willow kept repeating that.

Xander moved closer, “It’s not your fault, Will.”

Buffy moved closer in her turn, “It was this spell. We made a mistake letting you do that.”

Tara moved closer, “Willow, Willow baby, it’s ok.”

Willow pulled away to look at her lover and a gaze full of pain spread into her eyes,

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Tara.”

Tara moved closer, wiping the tears away, “It’s ok baby, I’m here, you’re back.”

Tara slowly crept her way in between Willow and Kennedy to take Willow in her arms. The redhead was just a mess and she kept crying, holding her tight.

“Willow?” Kennedy asked but Tara looked at her, “It’s ok I've got it now.”

Tara added with a grave tone, “Stay away from her now.”

“You’re telling that to me?” Kennedy wondered.

Faith moved closer and squatted in front of Tara,

“Cause in case you just tuned in dolly; Kennedy brought her back, not you. So if someone should stay away from Willow I think it’s you. That spell was your idea after all.”

“She wasn’t gone, it was just temporary that’s all, her dark magic was magically brought to the surface by The First, it wasn’t coming from real rage and vengeance so it would’ve fade out one way or another.”

Xander moved closer,

“Sorry Tara, but you haven’t seen her last year, how can you be sure of that?”

“I’m a witch I know it, today was really different.”

Buffy moved closer,

“How come you didn’t feel her slipping minutes ago? We could’ve stopped it before it turned wrong.”

“I’m not a witch but I felt her slip and when I tried to stop it guess what? Somebody pushed me away? What’s that say about you?”

Tara tried to look strong and replied with serious,

“Are you all ganging up against me now? Let me tell you that you don’t know jack about magic. Breaking a spell of that kind while it was in the process could have some serious consequences on the person who’s under the influence of it. Wait for Willow to feel better, she’ll tell you she’d have done the same.”

Kennedy frowned,

“She’ll tell us when? After you’ve brainwashed her some more. You’re not leaving this room alone with her.”

“Why are you acting that way? Xander? Buffy? Dawn?”

Tara looked all around for support. The younger Summers went closer,

“I think Tara’s right, you told us about the spell to bring Buffy back last year, you said there was huge scary stuff happening but remember that no one had to break the spell. That’s what Willow said and it was just the same today. Tara just tried to protect her.

Spike stepped into the talk,

“Sorry little bit, but I’m kind of in the ganging up team on that one. The witch’s behaviour, way too weird to me.”

Dawn pointed out Tara’s head wound, “Look, she was hurt too.”

“Yeah, she got a bang on her head; I got an electrical pole on mine. Sure, really well balanced.” Kennedy sarcastically sighed.

“You’re just jealous, you don’t like her.”

“Sure I don’t” Kennedy replied without shame.

“This is why the spell went wrong.”

“What?” Giles asked.

“We were holding hands but holding spirits too, we needed an opened way to communicate with The Powers but it wasn’t just us. You’ve blocked the spell with your scepticism, all of you who don’t believe. Who mistrust and even hate magic or even just me. It’s the reason why the spell didn’t work. The location to do it should have been a haven of believing, of easy communication, open-minded spirits. You are too closed to magic for it to work properly.”

Faith sighed, “That’s the best one yet!”

Willow pulled away to look at Tara’s wound, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok baby, it’s nothing.”

Tara got up holding Willow.

“Where're you going?” Kennedy incisively asked.

“She needs to rest.”

“She does, sure, but not with you alone, dollie.”

Dawn moved on the other side of Willow to hold her,

“I’ll go with them now step aside.”

Faith was going to object but Willow looked up at her friends,

“Don’t... say anything. Leave us alone now.”

“Willow.” Kennedy pleaded from the side; the redhead struggled hard not to look at her while Tara squeezed her. They started walking away to the stairs.

PART 18

Faith looked infuriated, “I can’t believe that!”

Kennedy just went to sit into the couch.

“After what happened! How could she, and you Buffy! How could you let her go with Willow and your sister?!”

Buffy moved closer, “Calm down, Faith.”

“Calm down!? Calm down?! This girl is evil Buffy!”

Xander moved forward,

“We don’t know that yet. The spell went wrong, not the first time it happens.”

Kennedy stayed silent while Faith was still fuming,

“It was bound to go wrong; she intended it to go wrong. When Kennedy tried to stop it you saw how she reacted? And then after that she wanted to let Willow outside in that state, Willow would’ve never gone back from the black magic if Kennedy hadn’t shaken her like that.”

Giles moved forward, “Faith, we can’t tell for sure. Willow has been in a place so dark last year that she can easily fall back into it.”

“She was already at the edge last time she did a spell.” Xander added.

“Yet she did not slip, and who was beside her; Kennedy. Funny that with Tara who’s supposedly the pure witch, the soul mate and all, Willow suddenly loses it. Shouldn’t she be even better at keeping the control with Tara beside?”

Buffy didn’t know what to say anymore.

Anya raised her brows casually, “I must say I agree with that, and what’s with the look crazy Willow gave to Tara, what was it for? No really, you should talk to Willow.” Anya gestured to Buffy and Xander.

They both looked at each other hesitantly. Buffy started getting up as if she was gonna go to the witch now.

“She’s a mess right now. She won’t tell anything. She should rest.”

Faith frowned at Kennedy's reaction,

“What was that? Come on K, you’re an inch away from getting her back, and most of all, out of this thing’s hands, you can’t let her manipulate her some more.”

Kennedy got up, “Right now she needs to rest, and so do we.”

Kennedy walked away but Faith caught up with her and grabbed her arms, “Hey what’s wrong with you?”

“She knows. It’s only a matter of time now.”

Faith frowned, “You mean... Willow?”

“Yes, she knows, it’s only hers to decide now.”

“What if Tara, I mean that girl doesn’t leave her the opportunity to choose?”

Kennedy sighed,

“Willow’s stronger than this. Believe me, Willow’s the strongest among all of us. The First is not messing with her for nothing. So if she wants to get out of this, she’ll get out. Can’t do that for her.”

Kennedy walked away to the garden, leaving Faith in deep thoughts.

It was now dark outside.

Kennedy was sitting in the swing seat, she hadn’t moved since the spell. Faith was smoking and thinking deeply in the kitchen. She hadn’t quit her eyes off of the potential but she'd remained in the kitchen, understanding Kennedy’s need to be alone. Faith was still very thoughtful.

“Hey there.”

Faith gave a jump at the voice. Buffy gave a jump too at Faith’s reaction then raised her brows.

“Sorry B, I’m a little nervous with all of that and... well all of that.”

Faith lowered her head. She couldn’t hide her worries, not in front of Buffy. The blonde slayer asked her gently,

“You really worry for her?”

“Yes.” Faith honestly replied.

Buffy looked by the window, “Do you think still think she’s in danger?”

Faith nodded, “Well, we all are but... It’s gonna end badly... for her, I’m... really I think I’m scared this time.”

Buffy raised her hand to Faith’s cheek and slightly caressed her, “You must really care for her to worry that much.”

Faith stared at Buffy, a bit surprised by her touch and confused too, “Well, yes, I mean I really was worried a second ago.”

Buffy realized her gesture and took her hand away from Faith’s face. They both stayed silent. Buffy meant to turn around.

“I should get upstairs.”

Faith grabbed her wrist softly, “No please, I mean, you came here... don’t you wanna stay with me a little... I mean, watching over Kennedy with me for example?”

Buffy shook her head, “What’s going on?” She sounded firm but not mean.

Faith frowned, not really understanding.

“With us, you and me, what’s going on with us?”

“Not sure I get you right, B”

Buffy went to sit at the table and sighed, “Maybe it’s just me.” She kept her head down.

Faith sat beside her and lifted Buffy’s locks as to be able to see her face, her fingers brushed against Buffy’s skin and Buffy moved away, “My God I even shiver?!” She complained to herself.

Faith didn’t dare to move as she understood what Buffy was talking.

Buffy got up,

“I came here, in the kitchen, to be with you, I know that. And now I wanna leave the room because I want to stay... with you, but I don’t, I mean I don’t want to want to stay with you and I’m not making any sense and it’s too confusing and I can’t do that.”

Buffy had moved backwards against the wall during her confused speech.

Faith got up with a grave expression on her face, “I never asked you for anything, Buffy.”

Buffy looked aside and Faith went on, “Besides, I can’t do it either.”

Buffy looked at her, they stared intensely at each other. Buffy was about to talk when the back door opened and Kennedy stepped inside, she stayed still for a short while as she understood she’d stepped in right in the middle of something.

“Sorry.”

Buffy and Faith both looked elsewhere and Kennedy walked out of the kitchen.

Faith shook her head, “Well, she’s inside now so I guess I’m gonna go take a nap.”

Faith was about to leave when Buffy grabbed her by the wrists and they stood inches apart, breathing a bit more loudly.

“What, what did you mean?” Buffy said with a gulp.

“The truth. I couldn’t do it, for a different reason than yours, but still, I couldn’t.”

Buffy didn't release her grip on Faith’s wrists,

“And what do you think my reason is?”

Faith gave a sad-sarcastic smile,

“You’re Buffy, straight righteous Buffy. You’re the one. You couldn’t jumble up your life that way, could you? Not to mix up with someone... like me.”

Buffy slightly released her grip but didn't talk. Faith slowly took her hands away from Buffy's and started walking; she passed by Buffy, “What is your reason?” The blonde girl asked her then.

Faith didn’t turn around, she swallowed hard,

“I could never be with you because... I could really love you... so you see; no way I’m letting this happening... ever, because I’m done hurting.”

Buffy swallowed hard in her turn as Faith walked away.

~~~

Faith walked inside the living room. Kennedy was making herself comfortable in the sleeping bag she had installed on the couch. She looked up at Faith,

“You ok?”

“Could use some rest I guess.” Faith simply replied, not wanting to dwell on the subject.

“I put a sleeping bag thinking it’d be more comfortable but err... I don’t know if, well, if you don’t want to sleep downstairs I’d understand, but I-I prefer to stay here for now.”

Faith took her shirt off and unbuttoned her pants, “No I’m fine here. I’d rather stay away too.”

Kennedy smiled and Faith crept inside the sleeping bag.

They were trying to get comfortable but the sleeping bag was taking some more place on the already small couch and therefore the smallest movement they made immediately caused a lot of skin-brushing and cheeks-reddening.

Faith kept moving a lot. She tried to turn around the other side but it didn’t do so she turned around again and ended up partly on top of Kennedy, for the most part of her upper body at least.

They stared at each other, breath quickening unwillingly. Faith slowly bent her head and their lips finally met in a soft contact first, then they really began kissing each other deeply for a long while before finally pulling away.

They were both staring intensely at each other and breathing heavily. Faith felt a rush of lust in between her legs; her gaze was wild with lust.

“Faith I-I like you, I mean, very much, more than this but I-“

“I know, I know.”

Faith tried to pull away. Kennedy removed the hand she’d put on the slayer's waist. But Faith’s hand that was on Kennedy’s stomach was not moving. Kennedy didn’t know what to say anymore, Faith had closed her eyes and she kept taking deep breath.

Kennedy looked hesitant, “Faith?”

Faith opened her eyes, “Yes I know, I just-“ she trailed off trying to calm her ragged breathing,

“I’m kinda really horny right now.”

“Oh.” Kennedy then raised her eyebrows, “Deep talk huh?” She referred to the scene talk she'd interrupted in the kitchen.

Faith nodded and Kennedy gave her a nice look,

“I wish I could help you with the... well, horny thing. I mean I could but I-I think, it wouldn’t be...”

“No it really wouldn’t be...” Faith took over without even finishing the sentence; they both didn’t need to.

Faith pulled away even more. Kennedy tried hard not to move and risk touching Faith so much it seemed to take the slayer every bit of control she had. Kennedy looked even a bit stunned about that.

Faith got up, “Yeah I know; seems funny but wait for your turn, you’ll see when you’ll be a slayer, when you want to..., you REALLY want to.”

Kennedy couldn’t help a little laugh and Faith buttoned her pants,

“So I guess I’m just gonna go upstairs, take a very cold shower and... well, I’ll be back.”

She left and Kennedy lightly smiled though she understood. She was pretty worked up herself but nothing she couldn’t hold back, mostly with her mind crowded with the last days bad events.

PART 19

Faith came back from the bathroom 20 minutes later; she chose to keep her shirt on.

“You’re... better?”

Faith raised her eyes and nodded, “Yeah, that should do.”

“I can sleep on the floor if you want, I’m used to it.” Kennedy gently offered.

“No it’ll be fine and I must say... I like it when you cuddle in my arms.”

Kennedy blushed and smiled then admitted,

“Good, cause I like it too, you know.”

They both smiled at each other and Faith crept under the sheets. Kennedy carefully rested her head on the slayer’s chest and her arm around her waist.

5 minutes went by.

“Faith?” Kennedy spoke very low.

“Yes?”

“Something I gotta tell you.”

“What is it K?”

“Your kiss, well, I have to say... the best kiss... ever.”

Faith started laughing but held it back as to not be heard.

“Doesn’t that make you wonder what you’ve just missed?”

They both started laughing, trying to remain as discreet as possible but failing.

~~~

In the meantime in Willow’s room. Dawn was asleep in a sleeping bag in between the bed and a cupboard. She’d chosen to sleep with the witches instead of staying in her own room. Willow was sleeping on the bed and Tara was sitting on the side of it. She was staring at the window. The expression on her face was very dark and her fists were clenched as she could hear the two brunettes’ fits of laughter downstairs.

She stayed a long while that way then she felt someone looking at her. The expression on her face became much lighter as soon as she realized Willow was awake. Tara then looked down at the floor with a sad expression.

“What’s wrong, Tara?”

“I let you down.” She replied in a soft voice.

Willow didn’t reply.

“They’re right, too many things happened while I was gone... I was careless. I could’ve got you hurt. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Willow.”

She sounded as if she was about to cry but then she felt two hands moving to her stomach from behind. Willow held her tight.

“They don’t know anything. It’s not your fault, it was just... It just turned wrong that’s all but I’m back now. I’m with you so just... don’t think about it, stay with me, lay there with me. I need, I need you to.”

Willow’s voice was still very low as the spell had worn her out.

Tara gave her a shy look, “I just never want you to get hurt, you know that Willow. All I want is-“

“Ssh, don’t say anything.” Willow whispered as she put a finger on Tara’s lips.

“Don’t speak, just... hold me. I just want to forget everything else. Please just hold me.”

Tara held her tightly. They both lied down on their side and kissed deeply for a long while until Tara’s hands became more adventurous on Willow’s body. The redhead gasped at Tara’s finger brushing against her soft spot. The redhead then put her hand on her mouth and looked on the side to check if she hadn’t waken up Dawn.

Tara whispered, “She’s sleeping tightly baby, don’t worry.”

Willow relaxed and looked in the beautiful eyes of her lover.

“Rely on me, Willow. I’ll take care of everything. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

She kissed her deeply and started circling Willow’s sensitive spot in slow motions. Willow just closed her eyes and freed her mind from every thoughts crowding it... As much as she could because those really weren't thoughts she wanted to handle.

~~~

Much later. Willow was asleep. Tara was staring at the ceiling, she turned her head towards the window. A wicked smile spread across her lips.

~~~

At the same moment in Buffy’s room. Her cell phone rang, she picked it up very fast as she wasn’t sleeping; she too, had too many thoughts in mind. Several potentials awakened and watched her as she said a few words then hung up and got up very fast. She put a pants and a shirt on very fast and looked at Rona,

“Go and get Amanda, Shannon, Lisa, Vi and Bett, and get ready.”

And she left the room with no more words while Rona reluctantly obeyed.
Buffy went to Giles then in the basement looking for Spike and Xander, telling Andrew and Anya to stay down here but the two didn’t want to stay alone in the basement so they went back upstairs to join the other potentials.

Faith finally awoke at the hustle and bustle around them while Kennedy was still snuggled up into her arms. Faith noticed Buffy taking a crossbow in the trunk. The dark slayer's grew wider but she couldn’t jump to her feet because of Kennedy.

“What're you doing, B?”

Buffy looked at her, “Nothing, just go back to sleep.”

Faith moved a little and Kennedy woke up. Faith got out of the couch and then noticed the potentials carrying weapons while Giles, Spike and Xander were already waiting at the door.

“Seems like a big nothing to me.” Faith said in a very questioning tone.

Buffy moved closer while Kennedy stretched herself.

“I got a call from Robin; he came across a group of bringers holding a girl, probably a potential, he followed them and they went back to the vineyard. Caleb’s dead, I've got the scythe so I don’t know what they’re doing in there, seemed there was a lot of agitation in there so he called me. We’re going now because the sun will be up in a short while and I want to get there with Spike before it does. We’re just gonna check that’s all.”

“Ok.” Faith said as she grabbed a knife and looked ready.

Buffy shook her head, “No you’re not coming, Faith.”

“And how I am Blondie! No way you’re going into battle without me.”

Kennedy raised her head all of a sudden, “Who’s going into battle without us?"

She got up taking a stake looking very enthused already.

Buffy shook her head,

“No way, you’re not going either. Besides, you’re still recovering.”

“Ok for Kennedy, but what about me? Why can’t I go?”

Buffy didn’t have the time to reply.

“No no, not ok for Kennedy, everyone’s recovering from something in this house so this ain’t a reason and you said besides, so what’s the first reason you don’t want me in?”

Buffy sighed, “You girls were meant to get well with each other, you’re so stubborn.”

“I ain’t stubborn.” Both brunettes automatically replied at the same time then looked aside with a sigh.

“Girls? This is just bringers, ok? Nothing we can’t handle and I can’t let the house and the other girls unprotected you know that?”

The two brunettes more or less agreed.

“Besides Kennedy, sorry but with you in, what is just a simple mission could easily turn into The final fight with these days luck of yours so... you’d better stay quiet for now ok?” Buffy joked.

“Not funny at all.”

Kennedy sat on the couch with a pout while Faith gave a slight smile at Buffy though the blonde slayer could easily read worries in Faith’s eyes.

“It’s gonna be alright, I’ll be fine don’t worry... Make sure she is too. And Willow too, all of them.”

Faith nodded then frowned, “Except one, all except for one, right?”

Buffy smiled and nodded, “Ok if you want, all except for one.”

Faith looked more serious then, “Be careful.”

Buffy nodded and the group left.

~~~

The two brunettes sat back in the couch but did not lie down as they both knew they wouldn’t be able to find sleep now. They talked about their childhood, everything and nothing in particular; they were just talking as a way to not let the worry get to their head. They watched the sun rise from the swing seat in the garden as they’d moved there by the time.

Slowly they'd stopped talking and had stayed just looking at the sky. Faith started checking out her watch more and more often while Kennedy was slightly falling headfirst on the seat as the fatigue had caught up with her.

Faith got up, “I’m gonna make some coffee, want some?”

“Err, yes, would wake me up a little.”

“Ok.”

Faith went inside and prepared the coffee. She was sitting in a chair at the kitchen's table waiting for it to be ready. She got up to take an aspirin, she put it in a glass of water and went to the restroom while it was diluting.

Faith was startled a bit as Tara was in the kitchen when she came back. The slayer didn’t tell her anything but headed to the coffee machine to check. Tara kept looking at her. Faith sat back at the table and drank her aspirin. Tara was still staring at her.

“What d’ya want?”
Faith finally asked her and Tara smiled before saying, “Nothing, I was just thinking.”

“Yeah?” Faith inquisitively said.

“You almost gutted each other when we think about it.”

Faith frowned very suspiciously while Tara went on, “You and Buffy I mean.”

Faith raised her brows but didn’t say anything. She just got up.

“Too bad she missed you the first time.”

“What you said?!”

Faith dropped her glass to the floor and had to grip the table as she lost her balance suddenly. It started spinning around her.

“Oh, what- what?”

She couldn’t talk anymore. Tara moved closer but Faith couldn't see her very clearly and she stumbled. She heard a door opening. She started choking and suffocating.

“That would’ve spared me.” Faith heard Tara said.

And the blonde witch pushed Faith in the basement; the brunette fell to the bottom of the stairs to the bottom. Tara smiled as she closed the door.

PART 20

“Next one.” Tara said with a smile as she turned to look at the garden’s door.

She walked away from the basement just when the back door opened and Kennedy stepped inside. The potential stared at Tara with mistrust and looked around, she spotted the broken glass on the floor. Tara knelt at that moment and began picking the pieces,

“I dropped my glass.”

“Don’t care. Where’s Faith?”

Tara got up and headed to the trash can, she replied with a very detached tone, “She left in a hurry, something about a call from Buffy needing help apparently, and what’s that all about? Isn’t Buffy sleeping upstairs?”

Kennedy was already on her way to the living room to take a crossbow way before Tara ended her nonchalant talk. The brunette rushed outside without any more words and Tara stayed in the kitchen with a huge smile.

~~~

Kennedy was already two blocks away as she’d been walking fast but suddenly she slowed down. She looked very perplexed and finally stopped completely, standing still on the pavement. Without really knowing why but trusting her instinct, she back peddaled.

She was almost in front of the Summers house when the front door opened, she moved aside as to hide and saw Tara walking out of the house with a big bag. Kennedy recognized the shaft of the scythe jutting out above it. The brunette potential didn’t hesitate and followed her as discreetly as she could.

~~~

In the meantime at the vineyard.
They had fought for a while since there were a lot of bringers but had easily killed them all. They were now turning the place upside down to find the girl Robin had seen, or anything the bringers were supposedly hiding or doing in there.
Buffy was upstairs looking by the window, she was very thoughtful.

Spike walked to her,

“Sorry pet but there’s nothing in there.”

“Keep looking.”

He sighed but didn’t argue. She looked bothered, he was right, there was nothing in there and she was starting to worry about that.

Caleb appeared beside her, “Pretty empty, ain’t it?”

She remained calm, “You’re not him.”

“No, you killed him right and proper. Terrible loss. This man was my good right arm. Course, it don’t pain me too much, still got my left one.”

He gave her a victorious smile as she started backing away, “Tara.” She whispered.

He kept smiling but she was already with the others,

“We gotta get to the house now! Xander, find something to cover Spike and bring him back with the girls as soon as NOW!”

And on this she left running, using her slayer’s speed while the others started regrouping.

~~~

Willow was walking downstairs.

“Tara? Tara?”

“Kennedy? You in there?” She asked in a lower voice as she walked in the living room.

She then went to the kitchen, “Somebody here?”

She walked to the coffee machine and noticed some coffee still hot in it; she frowned then opened the back door to check in the garden, still no one.

Dawn walked in the kitchen,

“Buffy’s not here, Anya said she went on a mission at the vineyard? Why didn’t she say anything?”

“Did they all go?” Willow wondered.

“Faith and Kennedy stayed here to look after the house, well, after us.”

Willow raised her brows,

“Really? Because I don’t find them, and Tara’s not upstairs either, and there's no one down here.”

Willow then frowned as she noticed the remaining of the broken glass on the floor and some liquid while Dawn walked to the basement,

“Have you checked in the basement?”

She opened it and gasped, “My God!”

Willow hurried, “Oh God.”

She rushed downstairs followed by Dawn. Faith was lying half on the ground, half still on the stairs. Her head was bleeding and her wrist too as it got broken in the fall. Willow checked her pulse.

Dawn looked horrified, “My God is she alive?”

Willow frowned and tried harder, “I don’t feel anything.”

Dawn put her hand on her mouth in fear.

“I’ve got it, she’s alive but her pulse is very low.”

“What happened?” Dawn asked while Willow started looking at Faith’s pupils.

“Something isn't right.”

Faith had rings around her eyes like she’d not sleep for a year. Her lips were violet and there was fluid escaping from her mouth. Willow brushed her finger in the corner of the brunette’s lips and smelt it, she immediately ran upstairs and took a closer look at the liquid on the floor, she smelt it too.

“Oh God.”

Dawn was behind her, “What is it?! What is it?!”

“Go to my room, in the trunk with the magical herbs’ bag, bring me Sakkin.”

“Which one is it?”

“Bring’ em all, I’ll sort them out; I may need some more, and bring the others down to carry Faith to the couch.”

Dawn went upstairs and Willow immediately went back downstairs to Faith. She lifted Faith’s upper body and put her hand on her stomach and started reciting a spell.

Andrew, Anya and a few potentials arrived to see Faith vomit. She was still unconscious but Willow’s spell seemed to be working. Willow wanted her to let out as much poison as she could. Then they more or less easily carried the slayer upstairs while Willow was preparing another spell with plants.
She then went back to them. Faith’s pulse was still very low. Willow made her drink. Anya bandaged her wrist in the meantime.

“What is it?” Dawn wondered about the plant Willow was holding.

“It’s a cleansing plant, it should ease her stomach, chase the remaining poison out of her system if it’s not too late.”

“What do you mean not too late?” Anya worriedly asked.

Willow looked even more worried, “If it wasn’t for her slayer condition she’d be dead already. And even with that, this poison is... too strong.”

“You mean she’s gonna die?”

“I hope not, Buffy’s never gonna forgive me otherwise.” Willow said very low.

Dawn frowned, “Why? You didn’t poison her... did you?”

Willow didn’t reply and Anya shrugged,

“No silly, she would never do that. Willow’s just feeling guilty because it’s her other half that did it, the one Faith’s been warning her against for days now.”

“Anya!” Dawn said but Willow didn't reply. She stood up and headed to the door,.

“Wait, where 're going, we gotta call Buffy!”

“She’ll be here soon, I gotta go.”

“But what about Faith?”

Willow gave a look at the brunette lying on the couch then back at them,

“Stay with her, ain’t nothing more I can do for her.”

Willow left the house; she took deep breaths once outside and started focusing, then she headed on the right.

~~~

Kennedy followed Tara into a cemetery, and into a crypt. From what she remembered from Buffy’s description, it looked like the crypt in which she killed Caleb. But there were no bodies on the ground, neither Caleb’s, nor the old woman’s but Kennedy didn’t care too much. She was very careful.

She saw Tara put the bag on the ground and heading to a sort of caldron, there were magical stuff beside. It seemed like bringers had been there and prepared the place. Tara lit a fire under the caldron and she smiled from the corner of her lips,

“Why don’t you come in a little closer?” she said without turning around.

“Take in a little warmth.” She ended, turning around this time.

Kennedy moved out of her hiding place, looking as self confident as she could.

Tara kept on smiling,

“There was a little committee waiting especially for you near the vineyard, but I must say I’m not surprised you followed me... I was kind of hoping you would in fact. You already knew there was no way for this to end without you dying but... it’s a bonus for me, getting to do it... It’s gonna be a big day for me.”

Kennedy smiled, “Ain’t gonna happen.”

“Do you honestly think you can get out of here alive?”

“I might die today, but you’ll never be the one to put me down.”

“Let’s find out.”

Kennedy walked closer, a little on the side, “Who are you?”

Tara raised her brow naturally,

“I’m just a witch. I make things appear and... disappear, you know, witches stuff.”

Her tone was very light; she seemed to be enjoying herself very much.

Kennedy glanced at the scythe, “So that’s it; the scythe, it’s the way to defeat The First.”

“Didn’t say that. There is no ways to defeat it. It’s everywhere; it’ll never go, never ever. Always been there, always will be.”

“But there’s a way to save the day this time again, there really is.”

Tara took a gun out of her back pocket and Kennedy stepped backwards a little.

Tara smiled, “Wasn’t I talking about the way to shut you down? Seems more interesting to me.”

PART 21

Kennedy couldn’t get her eyes off of the gun and Tara smirked,

“Yes, I thought that could be useful, or rather ironic, don't you think?. Too bad Willow didn’t shoot you with it, but then if she’d done that I wouldn’t have been necessary in the game and... I’d have missed a lot of fun.”

She pointed the gun at Kennedy’s face once again then lowered it at her heart,

“What do you say potential, same wound? Will it look better on you? Do you think Willow will like it better on you?”

“You can shoot me but you won’t win, she won’t let you.”

“Who? Willow? Poor thing, you’ve all been putting so much pressure on her, she just needs to let mommy take care of everything and believe me... she’s willing too.”

“She won’t let that happen I know her, and the others won’t either.”

“Who? There won’t remain a lot of you soon enough... You’ve already decreased today.”

Kennedy raised her brows, “Faith?! What did you do to her!!”

“I put her to rest... permanently.”

Kennedy meant to move forward but Tara undid the safety catch of the gun, “As for Willow, she’s tired of all of this, she just want to rest... and she will.”

“Don’t you dare touch her!”

Kennedy moved forward despite the gun that Tara just lowered to punch the brunette with a huge strength.

Kennedy crashed against the wall and her lips were bleeding, she spat blood and looked straight at Tara,

“What are you?”

“I’m what you’ll never be to her. And about that touching part, well, that’s kind of too late and I can tell you she loves my touches, but then again you heard her too, right?”

Kennedy looked aside and Tara smiled, very pleased with herself.

“Too bad you’ll never know the scent of her skin, her taste, mmm so wonderful.”

Kennedy got up painfully, “She will kill you.”

“After everything she's done to bring me back? Don’t get your hopes up potential.”

“She doesn’t love you.”

Tara smiled with surprise, “That’s news.”

“You’re not Tara, and she knows it.”

Tara kept on smiling, “And yet she’s staying with me so what does it say? Do you really think you've got it right about it? About her?”

“What I think is that if you kill me; you’ll overstep the border and you'll lose her.”

Tara let a slight laugh out, “Really? You think you matter that much?”

Kennedy moved forward with pride, “I do.”

Tara frowned, “We’ll see that then, I take the chance anyway.”

She raised her gun.

“No!” Willow shouted as she arrived at that moment. The gunshot resounded loudly in the crypt.

~~~

Buffy stormed into the house in a rush and saw everyone in the living room.

“Faith!”

She saw the brunette lying on the couch, Faith looked dead.

“No No!”

She hurried to her.

“Buffy? Buffy no wait!” Dawn tried but Buffy dropped on her knees and took the slayer in her arms. She held her very tight.

“Faith no, please no.” The blonde slayer started crying then someone choked,

“Can’t breathe.”

Buffy pulled away slightly with a stunned expression on her face, “Oh God Faith you're alive!”

Buffy kept holding her tight.

“Still can’t breathe, B.”

Buffy smiled lightly and lied the brunette slayer down on her back. She leaned in forward in the process and stood therefore above Faith as she hadn't really let go of her grip on her. Their faces were inches away and Buffy, without even thinking, bent her head and their lips met. Buffy slightly opened her mouth on the brunette slayer’s upper lip. Faith put her hand behind Buffy’s head to pull her closer and the kiss deepened.

“Err, Bu- Buffy?” Dawn asked in a low voice but didn't get any response.

Spike and Xander walked into the room with the others behind. Spike dropped the cover he had to protect him from the sun and looked at the slayers,

“What the Hell?”

Xander remained silent, he wasn’t too surprised. Giles cleared his throat but the two slayers didn’t stop yet. They only pulled away a moment later, staring intensely at each other while breathing heavily.

Buffy gulped, she looked embarrassed, “I-I”

She slightly pulled away, “I meant, I’m glad you’re alive.”

“I think she’d gotten that.” Xander couldn’t help teasing this time.

“We all did in fact.”Anya added.

Buffy got up and looked at them very firmly anew while moving on,

“What happened? Where are the others?”

“Willow and I found Faith in the basement, Will saved her life. Faith was only just coming again when you arrived but she nearly died. Willow left to find Kennedy and Tara I guess, but there’s no way to know where they are.”

Buffy looked at Spike, “You think you can do it?”

He nodded, “But I’ll need a better cover than that one.”

His cover was still steaming on the floor.

They gave him a big winter cover then him, Xander and Buffy left while the others had a hard time preventing Faith from following them. But she was too weak, she still looked deader than a vampire as Anya stated.

Spike managed to focus enough to trace Willow and the path led them to a cemetery. They started going on the left.

Buffy frowned, “I know where they are.”

~~~

Kennedy collapsed on her knees. She put her hand on the left of her stomach where the bullet hit her. Willow’s scream had startled Tara and she’d missed her shot.

“Dammit!” she said very low then turned around,

“Willow, baby, you shouldn’t be here.”

Willow’s eyes kept going from the bleeding Kennedy to Tara, she couldn’t speak. The redhead looked in shock.

Tara moved closer, “It’s ok baby, it’s gonna be alright.”

Willow’s eyes spread wide and she looked desperate,

“How? How could it be alright? What did you do?”

Kennedy struggled to get up but failed miserably. Willow looked at the scythe on the ground, still in the bag,

“What- what is this?”

Kennedy choked, “She stole it, she was going to destroy it or hide it magically, she’s evil Willow.”

Tara smiled, “You know I’m not baby. You know it in my eyes and my touches.”

Willow’s tears formed in her eyes and she pleaded, “What are you doing?”

“You know what I’m doing, Willow. You always knew.” Tara told her calmly.

Willow closed her eyes tightly. Tara moved closer and took her in her arms, the redhead didn't move.

“You know I only did this for you Willow, for us. As a way to be together.” She whispered.

Tara took Willow’s face in between her hands,

“We’ll be together forever, safely, in peace. It’s over here Willow, there’s nothing else to do. Stay with me, we’ll be so happy.”

“She’s lying to you, Willow. It’s all a lie.”

Kennedy choked again.

“You know it’s not, Willow. This world is reaching its end. You don’t have to fight anymore my love, you don’t have to hurt anymore, just let me take you with me and you’ll be fine.”

Tara held her tight, Willow was crying.

“Willow, Willow please.” Kennedy pleaded.

Tara raised her gun at Kennedy’s head.

“No, we can’t, don’t do that, please.” Willow pleaded in her turn.

“You know I have to do it baby; she will suffer so much in this lost battle, let me send her to a better place. You care about her Willow so spare her.”

Tara handed the gun to a shaking Willow. She couldn’t take it so Tara put it in her hand and kept hers above Willow's. She raised it at Kennedy’s head again.

“Do it, she’s about to die. Spare her all that pain. You know what her life’s about to be anyway. It will all be ok after that.”

“Don’t do it Willow, you can’t kill me and you can’t give up, I say you don’t give up Willow!” Kennedy managed to exclaim the last word before being doubled up again with pain.

Willow wasn’t holding the gun anymore it was only Tara.

“I’m so tired of fighting Kennedy, I can’t do it again, I can’t...”
Willow trailed off

“Lose her again? But you already have Willow, please, you’re stronger than this, it’s not, it’s NEVER been Tara. She’s dead Willow, she’s not here.”

“Sure I am. I am Tara; I’ve just been in a place where I’ve seen things... The world... and I just know that it’s the end. And I simply don’t want Willow to suffer more than she should, more than she already have. I don’t want anyone to suffer more than needed. And there’s no need to fight anymore.”

“If there’s really nothing to do then why did you try so hard to divert us from the scythe?”

“Said it already; no need to suffer more than needed, it’s pointless research, pointless fights.”

Tara looked at Willow and lifted her chin with her fingers,

“No need to hurt anymore, Willow. I love you, trust me. You don’t want to always fight and struggle, let me erase all the pain, forever. You know you just want to rest, with me.”

Tara kissed her while raising the gun at Kennedy’s head again.

“I love you, Willow.” Kennedy just said.

Willow seemed to freeze. Tara tried to pull the trigger but Willow’s finger was blocking it.

Kennedy kept staring at the redhead,

“I never knew nor did I believe in magic but I know you, and I always believed in you, Willow. I trust you, and everything you do.”

Willow burst out crying. Tara removed her hand from the gun to take the redhead in her arms,

“It’s ok, Willow.”

Tara kissed her and they looked at each other,

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry Tara.”

“It’s ok baby, I said I’ll make everything ok, I’ll do it baby. Let me make everything ok.”

Tara slightly kissed her and Willow whispered against her lips, “I love you.”

A gun shot resounded again.

PART 22

Buffy was running in direction of the crypt, she was faster than Xander and even Spike since he had to protect himself from the sun. The boys had lost her slightly when they heard a gun shot. They followed the sound.

Buffy was already in the crypt. She arrived just in time to see Tara and Willow standing face to face, into each other's arms. But then she saw that Tara was holding herself on Willow’s shoulders and she slowly slid to the floor without quitting her gaze off of the redhead until she finally collapsed on the ground, eyes closing for the last time.

The others arrived at the moment Willow dropped the gun to the ground and she collapsed in her turn in front of her dead lover. She seemed devastated, she took her in her arms and held her as tight as she could. They all ran to the girls. Buffy went to Kennedy as she was about to pass out.

“Willow.” Kennedy mumbled.

Buffy stared at Willow, the witch was motionless. She was still holding at Tara.

Buffy looked at the others gesturing them to hurry. Xander went to Willow trying to hold her tight.

Buffy looked at Spike,

“Take... take her away.” Spike didn’t need more words; he knew she was talking about Tara’s body. He carried her while Xander held Willow from behind and kept her hands as to make her let go of Tara.

“No, no!” Willow shouted.

“It’s over Willow, it’s gonna be ok, we’re here Willow.”
Xander whispered comforting words to his best friends whose tears were falling profusely while Buffy was checking on Kennedy who passed out finally. The slayer took her in her arms, she looked bothered,

“I’ve got to-“ she trailed off and Xander gestured her, “Go, go! I got it.”

He held Willow very tight while Buffy moved towards the exit. Spike was there.

“I’ll take care of the body at night.”

She nodded to him and went out of the crypt with the potential and carried her to the house.

~~~

Faith was much better by the time they arrived and she was the first one at the door. She took Kennedy and carried her upstairs as Buffy indicated. The blonde slayer told the others and asked Giles and Anya to hurry upstairs with disinfectant and bandage. Giles checked on the wound and said that the bullet went through her but didn't stay which was a chance because she’d have needed an operation so basically she would have died here since there were no doctors anymore. He said the bullet apparently didn’t do too much damage, didn’t go through any vital organs. They did their best to bandage her as much as they could.

Kennedy didn't speak a word all the while, she was painfully silent.

Buffy explained what she saw but Kennedy didn’t say anything to fill the blanks. Faith was beside her on the bed, holding her hand.

The dark slayer being alive was, at that moment, the only comforting thought in the potential’s mind.
Kennedy then fell asleep with the medicine they’d given her to rest. Faith remained a while beside her before joining Buffy, Giles, Dawn and Anya in the corridor. They were talking about what happened and after a while Giles and Dawn decided to go outside see if they could be of any help with Willow and Xander. Anya went back downstairs to help Robin, and Andrew reassured the potentials.

Buffy and Faith ended up alone in the corridor. There was a heavy silent, none of them dared to speak.

“How are you feeling?” Buffy finally asked after a while.

“I’ll live,”

“So to speak.” she added raising her brows and so did Buffy.

They both smiled, knowing they could die any minute.

Buffy slightly cleared her throat before starting, “Hum Faith? Err...”

“Yes B?”

“About earlier.”

“When would that be exactly, B?” Faith said teasing as she already knew when Buffy was referring to.
Buffy cleared her throat while her cheeks slightly reddened to Faith’s pleasure.

“When, in the living room, when you were, I mean-“

“Oh you mean when you kissed me?”

“I did no- I...”

Faith smiled at Buffy’s prudish look but then the blonde admitted, “Yes, that moment.”

“I listen to you, B. What you wanna say about that?”

“Err, just, I, well I thought you should know, I mean-”

“It’s ok, B. I know what you’re gonna say; you thought I was dead and that’s the reason why and it’ll never happen again so don’t bother.” Faith pulled herself together to hide her disappointment as she tried to sound casual despite a clench throat.

Buffy knew it and smiled then took a detached tone too,

“No, actually I was gonna say it was the best kiss of my life but... if you prefer that version... Anyway, going downstairs now.”

Faith immediately rushed to her and stammered, “No wait, you, what huh, I mean, err, really?”

Faith sounded very uncertain now but then she took her false self-confident tone agai,

“Yes, sure, of course, I’m good I already know that.”

Buffy smiled slightly. She could easily see the uncertainty behind this resolved gaze and Faith knew it. She had no barriers anymore face to Buffy but she was trying hard to pretend she did. Buffy kept smiling but she shook her head,

“You’re incredible, Faith, do you know that?”

Faith was unsure if the meaning was good or bad this time as Buffy walked away but the blonde slayer then glanced backwards shortly,

“And so are your kisses.”

Buffy turned around and left while a huge smile spread on Faith’s lips. She walked inside of the room in which Kennedy was sleeping.

~~~

Willow spent the entire afternoon with Xander, they went to the park where they used to play as kids, they went to their favourite spots together and they talked a lot. Willow had calmed down, thinking as clearly as she could, trying to put her ideas back in order and not let her emotions overcome her.

Giles and Dawn found them at the bronze; the two friends had put CDs in the CD player and were drinking with the stock that had been left out by the owners. Giles and Dawn joined them then they decided to go back to the house before nightfall.

Willow looked better, they’d told her Kennedy was ok when she'd asked but she didn’t speak about Tara with the two others, only did with Xander.

Once at home Willow directly climbed to the room occupied by Kennedy. She knocked and Faith told her to come in. Kennedy couldn’t look at her at first, she looked aside. Willow stepped inside a little bit.

Faith got up, “I’ll be in the corridor.”

The slayer left and Willow just pushed the door, not closing it. Willow then sat on the bed beside the brunette but she couldn’t talk so they remained silent for a while.

A tear fell on Willow’s cheek. Kennedy looked on the side again, she never could stand seeing Willow cry but this time she felt she couldn’t do anything against it. She didn’t have the will to.

“I’m sorry.” Willow said in a very low voice.

Kennedy kept avoiding the witch's gaze.

“Please Kennedy, look at me.”

The brunette did so.

“I’m so sorry, Kennedy.”

“You are? Then we’re two. What now?”

She was looking at Willow with a questioning gaze and the witch looked lost,

“I don’t know.”

Kennedy took Willow's hands in hers,

“Well I do; you’re gonna put together your magic and find a way to get us all out of this mess.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.”

“Of course you can, why do you think you were The First’s main plan? So focus on that, if there’s only one thing you have to be sure of, it’s of that, ok? I know you can do it.”

“We can. Together we can.” Willow said.

The witch's gaze was expectant for a reaction from Kennedy but the brunette just let go of Willow’s hands,

“No, it’s your call; I’m not on your road anymore.”

Willow looked a bit panicky at the meaning, “What- what do you mean?”

“I mean you have things to do, I’m not one of them. You and me it’s... not possible anymore, I doubt it ever was.”

Willow took Kennedy’s hands in her turn,

“Yes it was, it worked, it was working before... I’m sorry for what happened but it was fine. I know it can work now.”

“No Willow, it wasn’t fine or you wouldn’t have needed her to be here, to take you away, you wouldn’t have needed to escape like that.”

“Please Kennedy, I promise I’ll make it work, you’ve never given up on me, please, it’s thanks to you that I’m still here.”

Kennedy still looked very serious,

“The thing is; I’m not sure you’re happy about that. You wanted to go Willow, end with pain, you went so close from-“

“But I didn’t. Because of you Kennedy, I couldn’t.”

Willow moved closer and put her hand on Kennedy’s cheek, the brunette moved her head away,

“Because of me, that I’m not sure, but what I’m sure of is that... I wasn’t enough.”

“Yes you are Kennedy. Please, I was weak, it was so confusing. I-I need you, you know I do.”

“You need a lot of things, Willow; I don't think I'm on top of the list.”

“Baby please I tell you, you are.”

Kennedy took her hands away from Willow’s, “I don’t want to be anymore.”

Willow swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry but... I don’t want to hurt like that again.”

“Kennedy please, I promise you won’t. I swear I never wanted to hurt you.”

“But you did, and you will again.”

“No Kennedy I won’t, I know that now. I need to be with you now more than ever.”

Kennedy moved away, “I’m sorry Willow but I know; I’ll never be her. I’ll never be enough for you and I need to be with someone who really needs ME.”

“I need YOU, Kennedy. I need you so much.”

Kennedy got up,

“I did what I had to do; got you out of her hands, but I think I lost you the minute I kissed you. I helped you the way I could, helped you get over it, now it’s done so... we’re done.”

Willow swallowed again at Kennedy’s words; the brunette started walking to the door,

“What if I tell you that you’re wrong and that you have not the slightest idea of the feelings I have for you, Kennedy?”

Willow looked expectantly at Kennedy who simply replied,

“I’d say; get over it. I don’t want to know.”

Kennedy left and closed the door behind her. Faith was just in front of her, leaning against the wall, she’d heard everything but she was silent. They stared at each other. Faith knew that gaze and she knew there was not much she could say, she still tried though,

“Are you sure this is the way, K?”

“You tell me. See, I’ve finally matched up with you; it’s not that hard shutting out all your feelings in fact... I’m sure with the time it even goes easier.”

Faith didn’t reply and Kennedy started walking away.

PART 23

Kennedy headed directly downstairs, she wasn't walking very fast due to her wound. She arrived at the kitchen and didn’t let the others the time to ask her how she was,

“Can we all meet upstairs, in your room?”

Buffy nodded, and Kennedy was already on her way back up. Anya called Xander and Andrew who were in the garden and they all joined Giles, Buffy and Dawn on their way to Buffy’s room.

Buffy knocked at Willow’s door, “Will, I’m sorry, I’d like to see you all, in my room.”

Willow shyly stepped into the room. They were all in there, Willow didn’t know how to react but Buffy started,

“So Kennedy, did you learn something with... Do you know something?”

Kennedy nodded, “Seems pretty clear to me the scythe is the key. And Willow’s the gate.”

They all frowned but Kennedy looked certain,

“When we talked about doing the spell in rapport with the scythe she immediately diverted Willow’s magic from going in that direction. She wanted Willow as far away from it as possible, so I think there lays the answer; the scythe and Willow’s power.”

“But how? I told you I don’t even feel a single thing from that scythe. I can’t do it... alone.” she said with emphasis on the word alone while looking at Kennedy, but the brunette put that aside from her mind and went on,

“There’s got to be a way”

“I think she’s right, ok only Buffy and I felt a thing, and the potentials slightly felt it too but that doesn’t mean that you can’t work on it, right?”

Willow looked very hesitant,

“I really fear using magic. I really don’t know what direction it will take so if I don’t already have one to follow at the start, it’s gonna be a mess.”

Faith looked at Buffy who’d remained very silent till that point.

“What do you think, B?”

“I think you’re not alone Willow and neither are we.”

Buffy looked very evasive, the others frowned at the blonde slayer's gaze.

“You’re right, only us, slayers or next generation felt it... It’s about us, it’s about slayers, it’s about power, ours.” Buffy looked at Faith and then at Kennedy, “Theirs.”

The older Summers now looked at her best friend, “And yours.”

They all looked uncertain of Buffy's meaning.

“Do you have an idea, Buffy?” Giles asked her.

Buffy’s eyes widened, “Yes, oh yes I do, I really do...”

~~~

Buffy explained her plan, she also told the others about Angel’s visit and the necklace. They decided to work on it a little, leaving themselves one more day and two nights before attacking with Buffy’s plan.

It was supposed to let more time for the injured girls; Faith and Kennedy included, to heal, and more time for Willow to work on the scythe.

Buffy said she’ll tell the other potentials only the next day as it was already late, Spike had only just come back. Willow didn’t ask any questions about Tara’s body and none did. Buffy told the others she’ll explain him and that they should all go to sleep in the meantime.

They were all very exhausted due to the last very tiring days. Kennedy asked if she could stay in the room she’d occupied earlier with only Faith. Willow looked very down but neither Buffy nor Faith said something against it, so both girls went to sleep. Kennedy looked worn out. Faith felt the young brunette didn’t want to talk some more about all of this right now so she simply lied beside her and put her arm around her, letting the young girl cuddle into her arms like she used to do and they both very fast fell asleep.

Willow isolated herself in the basement so Buffy and Dawn joined her there and stayed with her.

~~~

The next day went by quietly. Buffy explained the plan to the potentials and everyone started buzzing around his own little stuff after that. Giles and Wood went to the high school to check the exits.

Willow tried to talk to Kennedy but the brunette had always been busy with someone, preparing the weapons or the attack plan with Buffy, so Willow'd surrendered and focused only on the scythe.

In the late afternoon, Buffy and Kennedy talked with Giles about the plan for the nth time then Giles left the room and Kennedy was about to follow.

“Kennedy wait.”

“Yes?”

“Look, I know I’ve not always been fair with you in that story.”

“You’re the leader, you had things to do, so did I.”

Buffy nodded, “And I’m glad you did.”

“So you know, I understand, you have nothing to explain, we’re clear.”

“Yes we are but...” Buffy trailed off.

“What is it?”

“It’s about Willow.”

Kennedy crossed her arms on her chest.

“I really do understand your position, Kennedy and I’m not asking you to change anything about that but... tomorrow it’s, I know she can do it but I don’t think she believes that. She will need you, Kennedy. I’m not asking you for-“

“I’ll be by her side.”

Buffy was pleasantly surprised by Kennedy’s reaction.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there, I’ll keep her grounded. Then I’ll bring you the scythe if it worked.”

“It will work, with you beside her it can’t go wrong.”

Buffy smiled at her and Kennedy lightly smiled then left the room.

~~~

It was bedtime, well for those who could sleep on a night like this as the attack was for the very next morning.

Most of them were downstairs playing card or games or just talking and lying down on the floor with one another. Dawn had fallen asleep on Xander’s shoulders so he’d stayed in the couch too, Anya beside him.

Faith was walking in the corridor, heading to the room she was sharing with Kennedy but she was followed by Willow.

“Faith wait.”

Faith turned around. Willow tried to talk very low as to not being heard, “Faith I-, I-I, well I know you care I mean, you want to protect her but I-I-”

“Ok.” Faith just said. Willow frowned and Faith smiled, “I’ll sleep downstairs.”

Willow was stunned that Faith understood. Faith kept smiling at Willow's frown.

“But you don’t want, I mean.” Willow looked hesitant.

“I never was in between you two, Willow. Not one minute.”

Willow hesitantly asked, “You mean, you two did not...”

“Not the type of relationship we have. You’ve always been the one for her, in her mind and heart, but well... I can’t pretend to know what you’ve been through, Willow but... she’s been broken too, you know.”

Willow nodded very sadly, “I know, I’ll take care of her... as much as she’ll let me.”

Willow’s tone was slightly wondering. Kennedy hadn’t talk to her since she’d officially broken up with her and Willow didn’t know if she’d said anything to Faith, the slayer slightly shook her head,

“Can’t help you with that, but I do wish she will.”

Faith then left in the other direction. Willow took a deep breath and walked to the room.

~~~

Faith went downstairs, the house was getting slightly silent now, still some of them were playing card and eating pizzas in the living room but most of them were quiet. Lots of girls had gone upstairs to sleep into the two vacant rooms as Buffy had told them they could.

Faith was looking for Buffy but she saw her talking with Spike outside in the garden. Faith sighed and went in the basement. She got rid of her pants and stayed in panties and her tight shirt. She crept under the sheet in the cot and took a cig in her packet but the door opened.

It was Buffy. The blonde girl closed the door and even locked it to Faith’s slight surprise. Buffy slowly walked downstairs; she stopped at the bottom of the stairs and stood still, a bit awkwardly. Faith sat up straight on the bed, one of her leg went out of the cover and Buffy inhaled deeply.

Faith raised her brows, “So?”

Buffy tried to look as natural as she could, “This is, well, maybe, our last night”

She stared at Faith intensely and the brunette’s eyes sparkled, she threw her cig to the ground but tried to stay calm,

“Yes maybe, so?”

She needed to hear it, she kept telling herself she was a fool for believing what she was believing even though she could see it in Buffy’s eyes but still, she desperately needed to hear it, needed reassurance.

“I want to spend it with you.” Buffy honestly told her.

Faith had to take a deep breath, she slowly got up from the cot and Buffy had to take a deeper breath at the sight in front of her. Faith started walking sensually towards her, she moved around her, brushing against her body with her breasts, arms and thighs setting the two of them on fire.

Buffy was breathing a bit more heavily; she was trying her best to stay calm but she couldn't help swallowing.

Faith was behind her; she slid a hand on her stomach and whispered, “You want to spend the night with me because you think we’ll both be dead tomorrow?”

Buffy couldn’t see it but Faith’s look was very serious, almost grave; she wasn’t going hurt again.

Buffy joined Faith’s hand on her stomach as she replied, “I wanna spend the night with you because... we’ll live through this.”

Faith’s heart turned upside down in her chest and she closed her eyes tightly with a smile so huge that Buffy could feel it. The smaller girl smiled too and closed her eyes as she felt Faith’s lips in her neck.

PART 24

Faith kept moving forward, bringing Buffy with her. The blonde slayer let herself being pulled towards the cot. Once against it, she let Faith gently pushed her to sit on it as closed to the wall as she could. Faith got rid of her shirt in the meantime. Buffy slightly opened her mouth and inhaled deeply as Faith now stood topless in front of her. She sure was beautiful.

Faith slowly moved forward and sat on Buffy’s lap, straddling her thighs while kissing her neck. Buffy let her fingers roam on the dark slayer’s back, getting used to the soft feel of the brunette’s soft and tender skin.

Faith sat straight on Buffy’s lap again to be face to face with her. She caressed her face, moving the blonde girl’s hair backwards while admiring her. Buffy closed her eyes and Faith kissed her.

“How glad I am you came downstairs.” Faith whispered.

Buffy opened her eyes and a thought crossed her mind, she looked hesitant,

“About that, how is it that you’re not upstairs with... Kennedy?”

Faith moved her head towards the other side of Buffy’s head and kept on kissing her,

“I think. Willow had. Other plans. For them. Tonight.” She couldn't stop kissing her neck between her words.

“Do you think they’ll work it out?”

“Maybe.”

Buffy raised her eyebrows,

“Maybe? Aren’t you a little jealous?” She sounded half teasing, half wondering.

Faith smiled and looked at Buffy, “Maybe I am.” She said teasingly too.

And then she pinned Buffy backwards down on the bed and straddled her hips,

“Or maybe I don’t give a fuck right now about what’s happening outside of this room.”

Faith got Buffy rid of her top. Buffy smiled but asked again, keeping her teasing tone,

“Really? I thought you would’ve been glad to have Kennedy all by yourself in a wide bed, wouldn’t you?”

Faith bent closer and licked Buffy’s chest from under her bra to her neck. Buffy couldn’t help a moan. Faith kept on licking on her neck,

“That would have some potential. No bad pun intended.”

Buffy smiled slightly but then looked a bit more serious, “Faith I-“

Faith raised herself a little bit as to look at Buffy in the eyes while the blonde slayer kept trying to ask her question,

“It’s not that, it doesn’t really matter in fact- I mean you don’t owe me anything, I mean, it’s just-”

“We didn’t do it Buffy.” Faith cut her with a smile.

Buffy stared at her and lightly smiled too, embarrassed by her own unease.

“We kissed ok, I admit we went very close to it, but no, we didn’t.”

Buffy raised her hand to the brunette’s cheek, “Thanks,”

She caressed her face, “For your honesty, you didn’t have to so thank you.”

“I want everything uncovered between us tonight, nothing hidden.” Faith simply replied.

And on this Faith kissed her.

Buffy pulled her closer and they kissed passionately for a long while before pulling away for air.

Faith started again to lick Buffy’s skin starting by her neck. She unclasped the blonde’s bra and began sucking on her breasts, going from one to the other while massaging the free one with her hand. Buffy moaned.

Faith continued her way down, she started sucking and licking on Buffy’s navel and stomach while unbuttoning the smaller girl's pants. She kept on moving backwards, in between Buffy's legs as she was removing her pants. She bent again to continue licking on her stomach and moving even more down, kissing the blonde girl’s center over her panties. Buffy moaned even more and Faith started licking and caressing her inner thighs.

“Faith.” Buffy just whispered and Faith looked at her, the blonde slayer’s eyes were closed.
Suddenly Faith stopped; she slightly moved backwards and kept on looking at Buffy who opened her eyes at Faith’s complete stillness.

“Faith?”

Buffy could feel Faith looking for words, she could see her try to look aside, she could see her try but not succeed.

Faith's breathing was heavy. Buffy could feel slight trembling from the brunette's hands on her body.

Faith wanted to do something but was unable to react or hide her state of mind. She wanted to hide but Buffy could feel her; having the blonde slayer giving herself to her, being with her and wanting it was something she’d never dared to dream of. She was now in full realisation of what was happening. And even more than this, she knew for sure it REALLY was what she’d been wanting all these years.

To be with Buffy, being in love with her which, no doubts now, she was. She couldn’t hide it and she was afraid of it. She couldn’t process any thoughts for the moment other than the sight in front of her. Buffy sat up straight as close as she could to her and took her head in between her hands. Faith blinked a few times as if to come back to reality.

“Everything uncovered remember? I want everything Faith. Everything you never said, you never showed, I want everything free between us tonight. Give me what’s mine and I’ll give you what’s yours... “

Buffy kissed her and pressed her hand on the brunette’s chest at the place of her heart as if she was trying to grab it,

“Give it to me, I’m here to take it, I’m nowhere else but here with you, please let it go.”

Buffy kissed her some more and Faith put her arms around the blonde slayer’s back to pull her closer. She sat on the bed in between Buffy’s legs and pulled her totally against herself while sliding her hand in between their bodies and under Buffy’s panties.

Buffy gasped in the taller girl's mouth as Faith reached her sensitive spot and she clutched at Faith’s shoulders when Faith slid one finger inside of her while rubbing her clit with her thumb as much as she could.

Buffy's moans were louder as she was getting close to her first orgasm. Faith’s hand kept moving more and more rapidly in and out of her.

Buffy tensed for a short second and dug her nails on Faith’s shoulders when the orgasm hit her.

Faith then laid her on her back and removed her hand to replace it by her thigh. Buffy bent her legs too and they began a slow rhythm rubbing against each other’s thigh while kissing each other’s mouth and neck.

Buffy was exploring Faith’s skin, her shoulders, her back and her chest. She massaged her breasts then raised her head as much as she could to suck on them and she was amazed at Faith’s immediate reaction to it, a louder moan each time.

Buffy kept looking at the brunette’s slayer’s body quiver, tense or shiver, reacting to their every touch. Faith felt a curiosity in the blonde slayer’s eyes and they kept looking at each other, observing each other’s reactions for a long moment.

Buffy seemed to always put her hands on new places. Faith kissed her wildly again then took her lover's hand that had been rummaging around their sweating stomachs for a few moments now, and she moved it further down. Buffy took a deeper breath as she felt Faith’s thigh and the first curls.

“Nothing forbidden, Buffy. This is our night. Everything’s yours. Nothing you can’t do.” Faith whispered while guiding Buffy’s hand to her core.

Faith removed her own hand while staring at Buffy and the older slayer's fingers found their way to Faith’s hot channel. She slid a finger inside of her. Faith exhaled deeply in Buffy’s neck and moved herself deep onto Buffy’s hand. Buffy inhaled deeply at the feeling. The warmth surrounding her finger seemed to overwhelm her entire body. She’d never felt something like that. Never felt so connected with anyone that way.

Buffy held Faith tighter with her other hand. Faith kept moving her hips more and more rapidly while breathing heavily against Buffy’s face, “God, oh God.”

Faith was very close and so was Buffy.

Faith kissed Buffy passionately and pulled away to breath. She dug her nails hard on Buffy’s shoulders from under her back,

“I love you” she said, exhaling deeply and Buffy came in her turn.

They stayed still, looking at each other, breathing heavily on each other’s faces.

Faith didn’t move, didn’t know what to say now that she’d said that.

Buffy just raised her hand to Faith’s face and put some locks away, gently brushing against her face with a gentle smile. They kissed again and Buffy switched position. She moved on top of Faith, in between her legs and started pressing her pelvis hard on Faith’s crotch. They held each other tight as they made love again and again.

~~~

In the meantime in the upstairs room.

Willow took her courage in both hands and finally opened the door. It was dark inside, Kennedy had closed the curtains and she was already in bed, she wasn’t face to the door so she didn’t see Willow.

“I thought you were not gonna come tonight?”

Willow was holding her breath a little; she pulled herself together and locked the door behind her.

“I bet you tried to spend the night with Buffy, didn't you?”

Willow frowned.

**Spend the night with Buffy? Buffy and Faith? She likes her but... Oh whatever, focus Willow!**

Willow just let a slight whimper as to nod without being recognized. She very fast got rid of her clothes.

Kennedy was still turned the other side, “What'd she say?”

Willow didn’t reply as she was still getting undressed.

“I see.” Kennedy just said.

Willow began creeping under the covers, totally naked.

“Look Faith, if you wanna try some more that's cool, you don’t have to be here you know, I mean I’m fine. I think you should try again.”

“I think you’re right.”

Kennedy turned around all of a sudden at Willow's voice.

Willow was very close to her. Kennedy looked stunned.

“Faith is not coming in the room tonight... and you’re not going out of it, neither am I.” Willow said in a sensual, yet anxious tone.

PART 25

Kennedy was completely taken aback. She couldn't help but stare at Willow, she very fast noticed the redhead was naked.

Kennedy tried to move away, “God, Willow what are you doing?”

Willow put her hand on Kennedy's waist to keep her on the bed; she even slightly bent forward as to pull Kennedy down on the bed. Kennedy gripped her shoulders as she tried to sit again

“Please Kennedy.” Willow pleaded.

“No. Stop that already. It’s over.”

“No it’s not. I want to be with you and that’s what you want to.”

“No, not anymore, I told you. Just quit it now.”

Kennedy sat up straight but Willow moved even closer and pinnned her back on the mattress while moving one leg in between the brunette’s ones.

“My God Willow, what? Stop now!”

“No, I won’t stop because I don’t want to and you don’t want me to stop either.”

Willow kept trying to caress Kennedy’s face but the potential didn't stop moving her face from left to right,

“No, no just leave me alone.”

Willow pinned her even harder, holding her wrists tightly as she seriously said,

“I can’t do that, Kennedy. You saved me. This is my turn to save you now.”

Kennedy looked at her with an incredulous gaze. Then she looked on the side, she couldn’t hold the redhead’s concerned gaze.

“Don’t, don’t pretend to care, just let go of me.”

“You know I do care. You helped me with my life and I’m not gonna let you down now that you need me the most.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying anymore Willow, you’re just insane, now get off me.”

Kennedy struggled a bit harder so Willow moved completely on top of her as to have more strength.

“Stop that now, Kennedy!”

Kennedy let a nervous laugh out, “You’re telling me that? You’re the one forcing me to do-“

“I don’t force you to do anything, Kennedy. I won’t.”

Willow’s tone was very calm. She released her grip on the potential’s wrists and she kept staring at her while moving slightly backwards. Kennedy looked very unsure. Willow slightly brushed her hand on the brunette’s face.

Kennedy shivered then looked aside, “No, I don’t want to, don’t do that.”

“I know what’s happening to you, Kennedy and I won’t let you slip into that.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Willow took Kennedy's face in between her hands,

“You’re not her. You’re not Faith. You can’t shut me out; you can’t shut your feelings. This isn’t you, you may try as hard as you can but you won’t erase your feelings for me, and I won’t let you even just try.”

Kennedy was trying hard to hold back the forming tears in her eyes. She was trying hard to look elsewhere but Willow forced her to look at her,

“Don’t hide, don’t even try. You need me. You love me and I’m ready to love you back. You’ve got so much love inside. I promise you now Kennedy that I’m gonna be here to get it all and give you everything that I am in return. I won’t hold back anymore I swear, I wouldn’t even be able to anymore. I just know that you’re my path now, a part of my life; I need you I know that, and you need me to. Please Kennedy. Let me see you, let me love you. Don’t hide from me, please.”

Kennedy couldn’t hold back her tears anymore, she started to cry and Willow held her tight.

“It’s gonna be ok now. Just let us try one more time, it’s gonna be wonderful.”

Willow pulled backwards a little and wiped Kennedy’s tears, “We’re gonna be wonderful, you and me.”

Willow moved her face closer and kissed the brunette potential who held her tight.

The kiss then became more urgent and Kennedy started caressing Willow’s back while the redhead moved completely on top of her again, pressing her thigh against Kennedy’s crotch, over her panties.

They rubbed each other that way for a few minutes but very fast needed more contact, more skin.

Kennedy switched position, moving the redhead on her back. She removed her own top then bent and began sucking on Willow’s breasts while her hand was moved down to the witch’s crotch.

Willow put her hand on Kennedy’s head as the potential’s hand reached its goal. Kennedy started circling Willow’s sensitive spot with slow motion of her finger while sucking and licking on Willow's breasts.

The witch moaned more strongly. Kennedy kept doing this for a long while before finally sliding her finger inside of Willow’s wetness. The redhead’s hips were moving frantically as she ached for more contact.

Kennedy removed her finger very fast and slid it in again deeply. She let it inside for a while, curling it inside. Willow groaned and clenched her fingers on Kennedy’s back.

The potential was kissing Willow's neck then she started a faster rhythm in and out of Willow, matching the redhead’s ragged breathing. She added more pleasure as her thumb started circling the witch’s clit again.

Willow's sighs of pleasure were getting louder but they both didn’t care.

The witch held Kennedy very tightly when she climaxed. Kennedy let her finger buried deep inside, eager to feel the redhead’s walls clenched against it as it sent her waves of pleasure knowing she’d done that to her.

Kennedy was breathing hard with excitation in Willow’s neck,

“I love you.” she whispered very low.

Willow, who was still recovering from her orgasm, slightly pulled Kennedy’s face to her in order to kiss her passionately. She then slightly sat up straight and Kennedy knelt as Willow was trying to remove Kennedy’s panties. Once done Kennedy meant to bend down over Willow again but the witch pulled both of Kennedy’s hand behind the brunette's back as she began sucking on her navel. Willow who was still sitting on the bed then let go of Kennedy’s hands as to pull the brunette girl closer to her. Kennedy let her do, she closed her eyes and put one hand on Willow’s head when the redhead started sucking on her soft spot. Kennedy gasped and looked up, eyes still closed. She started moaning immediately and pulling on Willow’s hair as well.

Willow held her tight.

“God.”
“Oh God, Willow.”

Kennedy was trying to stay in control but she kept groaning more and more loudly. She couldn't help pulling Willow’s face harder into her core. She had to put her other hand against the wall as her knees started getting weak.

She was pushing her hips harder on the witch who held them both still from behind. Kennedy's sighs were very loud now. She cried out and pulled hard on Willow’s hair when she climaxed. Willow welcomed her on her lap as the brunette relaxed and let herself sit on the bed. They immediately kissed.

Kennedy wiped Willow’s face from her own juices before lying the redhead down on her back again. She kissed her lovingly for long minutes before going down and starting sucking on her breasts again. Then she moved lower and finally reached the redhead’s hot center. Willow gasped and immediately pulled on Kennedy’s hair. A last thought randomly crossed her mind before she fell into ecstasy land, they would definitely not make it quiet tonight.

~~~

Potentials were starting to make some noise in the corridor as they were slowly all getting up and ready.

Willow was awake too but not moving. She kept on caressing Kennedy’s face. They were on their side face to each other. Willow was looking at her with a contented smile. Kennedy began moving a bit, she opened her eyes and her first reaction was to smile as the sight in front of her was the most beautiful she could have, and the only thing she needed. She looked at her with the same loving gaze Willow was giving her.

The potentials outside were very noisy now, plus Anya and Giles kept telling them to hurry a little.

The two girls frowned, reluctantly coming back to reality; that is, they will have to get up and fight soon.

“Are you ready?” Kennedy gently asked.

Willow took a deep breath and moved closer to kiss her girlfriend softly for a long minute before pulling away with a smile,

“Now I am.”

Kennedy smiled back.

~~~

In the meantime Faith woke up too, hearing the hubbub coming from upstairs. She opened her eyes and looked around but Buffy was nowhere to be found. Faith had to take a deep breath as a wave of panic unwillingly took hold of her. She sat on the cot and took deeper inhales again then after a while she shook her hands and head and got up, took her clothes and got dressed up.

She walked the stairs and pulled herself together to open it and step in the kitchen. It was crowded, everyone was anxious and missing something, asking something to Xander, Giles or Buffy... Buffy. She was here. Buffy immediately noticed Faith going out of the basement but the Summers girl seemed, like Faith, a bit frozen and didn’t say anything to her.

Buffy was asked a question by a potential and got out of her torpor to look at the young girl while Faith looked around, her head was slightly spinning. Buffy was busy preparing the attack and doing her job.

“Faith, we’re living in ten minutes.” Giles asked.

“Faith? Faith?!”

“Huh what?” she said shaking her head

“Ten minutes.” He repeated.

“K, I’ll be ready, gotta shower.”

Faith left upstairs as she felt suddenly the urgent need to leave that room under Buffy’s upset gaze. But she didn’t show it, she was the leader, she had to put everything together, she couldn’t let anything get in the way, that was what she kept telling herself.

~~~

Faith met Willow and Kennedy in the corridor, they were holding hands. Faith gave them a warm smile and she and Kennedy stared at each other, knowing.

Kennedy took Faith’s hand as she and Willow passed by her and she squeezed it. Faith smiled but once inside the bathroom a sad veil spread across her face. She sat on a stool and started to think. She found herself very lost suddenly. Everyone was buzzing around, she had things to do she knew it, a battle to win but she felt like totally out of place, after the night she’d spent she had much difficulties to put the pieces together.

The pieces of her old life, not after the wonder that had been this night. She was supposed to be the one using and throwing, supposed to be the one who would go away leaving a broken heart in some random bed behind her way. That was the deal of her life, that WAS her life and she found herself unable to handle being, maybe on the other side this time. She was lost, she didn’t know why she couldn’t feel like before when it didn’t matter. The night was over now. Buffy was back at being Buffy as Faith told herself, and the dream had to stop. Faithwas trying hard to convince herself that she knew it and she’d expected it and that it was... for the best but she wasn’t able to think properly. She was so much in deep thoughts that she didn’t even notice the door was open and someone was in.

“Not gonna freak out before the battle, are you?”

Faith looked up in surprise at Buffy. The blonde slayer’s tone was very light.

Faith immediately got up, “Err hum no, I-I was just. I-I just. I’ll be downstairs in a minute.”

Faith turned around.

“Look at me Faith” Buffy's tone was serious this time.

Faith turned around and swallowed hard.

“Faith, I’m not taking anything back from what happened last night. I really don’t want to.”

She told her honestly before adding,

“I know what you feel and I'm not gonna hurt you by playing with your feelings. But right now I’m gonna lead us all into battle, into war. I can only focus on that because... I want us to win; this is the fight of our life, Faith.”

Faith nodded, “Yes, yes I didn’t mean to- I, I understand. I’ll be ready in a minute.”

Buffy moved closer,

“I count on you, can’t do that without you, remember? But I just wanted you to know all of this before we start.”

She lightly caressed Faith’s cheek.

Faith nodded firmly, “Thank you. Count on me. I swear we’re gonna kick their asses today.”

Buffy smiled, “That’s what I wanted to hear.”

Buffy moved backwards, “Now hurry up, you got five minute!” and she slapped Faith’s ass.

“Hey!” Faith exclaimed pretending to be offended while Buffy went to the door. Faith stepped inside the shower with a smile.

She was very determined, “The fur will fly!”

Ten minutes later they were all on their way to Sunnydale High School.

~~~

They were all standing in front of the bus, looking at the crater that once was Sunnydale.

Willow was before Kennedy and pressed tightly into the ex-potential's arms.

“I just wanna sleep for a week!”

“I guess we all could.”

Faith moved closer, “So B? How does it feel, you’re not the one and only chosen anymore.”

“Yes Buffy, what we’re gonna do now?”

Buffy smiled at her sister's sentence.

“Well" she paused,
"I think I kinda want my life... jumbled up a little,”

Faith slightly laughed to the others' surprise. Kennedy slightly smiled while holding Willow tenderly.

Buffy went on, “I wanna mix with... different people now.”

No one understood and they frowned a bit except for Kennedy, who’d understood.

Faith clearly understood as Buffy was referring to the talk they had few nights ago. Buffy was proving her wrong, to the brunette slayer's delight. Buffy glanced backwards and she and Faith gave each other a tender, knowing gaze...

THE END

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